Jermaine Pennant Exclusive: 'Liverpool contract situations will be a distraction'

Former Liverpool midfielder Jermaine Pennant admits the ongoing discussions around contracts to key players will be a distraction to the team's playing squad. 

The current deals of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all set to expire in the summer, with all three able to begin talks with foreign clubs. 

Liverpool currently sit top of the Premier League by six points and are also top of the three in the Champions League as they look to land major silverware in Arne Slot's maiden term in charge of Anfield. 

The Dutchman watched his side salvage three crucial points through two last-gasp Darwin Nunez strikes at Brentford on Saturday, securing a 2-0 win in the process.

Pennant: 'The onus is on Slot to keep the players focused'

Speaking exclusively to Odds Now via William Hill, Pennant says head coach Slot must ensure his players keep their eye on the prize despite the outside noise. 

He said: "It [the talk around contracts] will be a distraction. But it’s up to Slot to ensure the players continue to perform on the pitch.

"All three players have this far played great. You look at Salah’s numbers, he doesn’t look like he is distracted by this and [the] same with Virgil.

"He is leading by example on the pitch and that is what you want from your captain."

The strong performance from Slot's men leaves them with a chance of winning all four major trophies this season, though questions remain over whether the large volume of games could potentially impact their run at a second Premier League title. 

Salah has been in sublime form this season for Liverpool. (Photo credit: Alamy Images)

However, Pennant, who made 55 appearances for Liverpool between 2006-09, insists his old club boast enough depth within their squad to compete across multiple competitions. 

"With four good strikers who can be rotated and [who are] all in good form, Liverpool can compete on all fronts. 

"At this stage of the season, you want to get the result and not worry about the performance. 

"The Carabao Cup is one where Liverpool will need to come from one a down to beat Spurs, which is totally doable, as we know Spurs have big injuries at the minute.

"But, the priority is the league and then [the] Champions League [out] of all the competitions."

'Liverpool are favourites to win the Premier League'

The win at Brentford, coupled with Arsenal's 2-2 home draw with Aston Villa later that day, leaves the Merseysiders six points clear at the summit of the Premier League table.

Liverpool also boast a game in hand over their title rivals courtesy of the Merseyside Derby, which was postponed in December due to Storm Darragh. 

With just a single league defeat to their name so far, it's no surprise to see Slot's side come in firm 2/7 favourites to be crowned champions in May. 

Pennant agrees with the current odds and backs his old side to maintain their form from the first half of the campaign.

"Liverpool are favourites for sure. Six points clear, [a] game in hand and Arsenal have to go to Anfield and haven’t won at Liverpool for many years.

"Liverpool’s squad looks better than Arsenal’s as well with the injury to Saka, which is massive.

"I can’t see Liverpool dropping enough points [for Arsenal to close the gap]."

The leaders play host to relegation-threatened Ipswich Town on Saturday afternoon knowing another victory could see them go nine clear, depending on Arsenal's result at Wolves on the same day.

Pennant was speaking exclusively to Odds Now via William Hill.

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