DANNY MURPHY: If Mohamed Salah leaves, at least it will be for a big fee… but keeping Virgil van Dijk is key for new boss Arne Slot as he looks to fill Jurgen Klopp’s huge shoes

There was no ideal candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp as those are huge shoes to fill. Not just in terms of team building, but also the relationship he had with the fans and the city.

Even Xabi Alonso hasn’t ticked all the boxes because he’s only been a manager for a few years.

I’m sure Liverpool have done their due diligence on Arne Slot and it’s positive for the fans that he’s playing the game up front, just like Klopp.

We’re told he also has a confident and humorous personality, which is a positive.

He won’t need three years to build a team capable of competing at the highest level like Klopp did, as he already has a quality squad and the right mix of youth and experience.

Liverpool set to appoint Feyenoord boss Arne Slot to replace Jurgen Klopp

One of Slot’s first tasks will be to sort out the future of Anfield skipper Virgil van Dijk.

I think Slot’s first and biggest task upon arrival will be to sort out the future of Virgil van Dijk, a fellow Dutchman of course.

Like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mo Salah, the captain has just one year left on his contract after this summer and retaining his experience and leadership at Anfield is vital.

I imagine Slot will be desperate to convince Van Dijk to stay for the next chapter. It won’t be about the money for the player, but about the direction he sees his career going and the overall outlook at Liverpool after Klopp.

Trent will re-sign, I think. He is a local hero who loves the club. Salah is actually younger than Van Dijk but is getting older in terms of the position he plays in.

If Liverpool end up losing one of their greatest players of all time, they will receive a large sum and can try to find the next one.

I’m sure there will be that little feeling of trepidation among Liverpool fans at the thought of Slot’s arrival. Not because it’s him but because replacing a legend is not easy. Just ask Manchester United and Arsenal.

Liverpool could look to cash in on Mohamed Salah this summer as he reportedly receives significant fee

Slot is championship winner in the Netherlands but it’s a big step towards the Premier League

Some managers come to Britain without us knowing much about them. Wenger wasn’t exactly a household name when he arrived. Ange Postecoglou has done a great job at Celtic and Spurs.

However, this is a big step forward between the Dutch League and the Premier League. You’re dealing with a whole new level of big-name players.

I think Liverpool fans will welcome this appointment, largely because the club’s recruitment in recent years has been successful and worthy of trust.

Liverpool are in a healthy situation, but the Van Dijk problem is important. Slot must do it.