Liverpool news: Reds 'scout Arne Slot favourite' as Alexander-Arnold drops contract hint

return to Premier League action on Sunday following the international break knowing they cannot rest on their laurels after a fine start to the campaign.

Arne Slot's men travel to the South Coast to visit struggling Southampton as they look to maintain their five-point advantage over Manchester City in the table.

However, the Dutchman will be less satisfied as he remains in the dark over the future of star trio , and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Express Sport brings you the latest Liverpool team news and transfer reports concerning the high-flying Reds.

Liverpool eye Benfica star keen on Slot reunion

Benfica midfielder Orkun Kokcu has indicated he would be open to linking up with Arne Slot at Liverpool after labelling his former boss the "best coach in the world".

Portuguese outlet report that Liverpool have sent representatives to monitor the playmaker, who played for two seasons under Slot when he was in charge of Feyenoord.

Kokcu was named Eredivisie Player of the Year after contributing eight goals and two assists in the league that term as Feyenoord lifted the Eredivisie trophy. The Turkey international made big strides forward under Slot's management before he was sold to Benfica in the summer of the 2023.

While he has continued to impress in Portugal, netting 11 times and producing 14 assists in 58 matches for the Portuguese giants, the 23-year-old indicated he would relish the chance to work with the Reds boss again.

"Arne Slot is like a father. He made me who I am. He is the best coach in the world," Kokcu told TRT Spor. "When my old coach [Slot] took over, I had a big breakthrough in his first season. We reached the final of the Conference League that year, but unfortunately we lost. Still, I think my performance that season was very good.

"I actually wanted to transfer in the summer [of 2022], some of the big clubs in the top six in England were interested in me. We had serious talks about a transfer, but it didn't happen at the last minute."

Alexander-Arnold sparks contract talk

Trent Alexander-Arnold has fuelled speculation that he could be set to sign a new contract at Anfield after being spotted filming with the club.

The 25-year-old has stalled over signing a new deal and with only seven months left to run on his current agreement with the Reds, his future is uncertain.

As it stands, he will be eligible to sign a pre-contract with foreign clubs from January 1.Real Madrid are said to be long-term admirers of the right-back and would jump at the chance to sign him as a free agent as a long-term replacement for Dani Carvajal.

But with reports suggesting the Merseyside club have submitted a huge offer to convince Alexander-Arnold to commit his future to his boyhood club, the England international was caught on camera visiting his home neighbourhood of West Derby.

There were reportedly security figures with Alexander-Arnold as he was interviewed by a camera crew, which may suggest an important announcement is due in the near future.

Van Dijk injury concern after Reds return

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has become the latest high-profile player to return from international duty on medical grounds after leaving the Netherlands camp.

The 33-year-old played the entire 90 minutes as Ronald Koeman's side beat Hungary 4-0 on Saturday. But the centre-back has returned to his club to undergo assessment on a mystery injury.

In a statement, Liverpool said: "Virgil van Dijk will return to the AXA Training Centre this week for assessment ahead of the Reds' campaign resuming with a trip to Southampton on Sunday."

The Netherlands have already qualified for the Nations League knockout stage and Koeman confirmed that Van Dijk would not be risked when facing Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday.

"For both Frenkie [De Jong] and Virgil it is better for them to leave the training camp at this moment," he said. "That decision was taken on medical grounds, with of course the interest of the players coming first."