Liverpool fans sent a clear message to owners FSG about Mohamed Salah’s contract situation on the night they won Aston Villa 2-0 in the Premier League.

The Reds were not at their best, but they beat Unai Emery’s team with goals from Darwin Núñez and Salah to move five points clear at the top of the table after Manchester City lost 2-1 against Brighton in the Amex.

Salah’s contract situation continues to dominate the headlines, with the 32-year-old’s current contract expiring at the end of the season and there are no signs of a breakthrough in negotiations to extend his stay.

The situation is aggravated because captain Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also in the same situation and, like Salah, both could leave for free at the end of the current campaign.

A clear message was sent by the fans to the Anfield hierarchy during the match against Villa with a huge banner unveiled with an image of Salah accompanied by the words:

‘FSG – Shoot a bow, now give Mo his dough’

It seems unthinkable that a player who has written himself into the Merseyside club’s record books would be allowed to leave for free when he clearly still has a lot to offer.

Therefore, the ball remains in FSG’s court as Salah sticks to his end of the bargain in his performances. However, time is ticking and if the matter is not resolved before January, foreign clubs will be able to approach him.