The second international break of the season is here as Liverpool go into the two-week hiatus top of the Premier League table. The Reds are one point clear of title rivals Manchester City and Arsenal.
A 1-0 away win against Crystal Palace in Saturday’s early kick-off saw the Reds secure their position even before the other games of the weekend kicked off. Arne Slot’s men have picked up 18 points from their opening seven league games, with a 1-0 loss against Nottingham Forest the only blot on their record.
Liverpool will now have a big part of their squad jetting off to represent their nations around the world. Premier League action returns on Sunday, 20 October when Liverpool host Chelsea at Anfield.
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As we wait for that game, ECHO Sport takes a look at a couple of the stories doing the rounds over the last 24 hours.
Chiesa transfer questioned
Italian media have questioned Juventus’ decision to sell Federico Chiesa to Liverpool in the summer with the price the Serie A club got for the winger branded as ‘ridiculous’. The Italian international moved to Anfield for a fee of £10 million up front, plus £2.5 million in add-ons.
Chiesa has missed the last two games due to injury, but could return in time for the Premier League meeting with Chelsea after the international break. He has so far made three appearances for the club, providing an assist in the 5-1 Carabao Cup win over West Ham.
Italian outlet Il Napolista say that it was a ‘mistake’ on Juventus’ part to sell Chiesa this summer, with the player having been ‘very useful’ to the club this season. They added: “Why sell him, or rather sell him off for a price that seems ridiculous today? Why not give him a chance? Was all this done to relieve themselves of a 5 million euro salary?”
Triple contract update
Talks with Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk over new contracts at the club are at ‘an impasse’, according to the Times. The three key players are out of contract at the end of the season, meaning they will be available on free transfers if an agreement between the clubs and the players can’t be reached.
The Reds are working on new contracts for players. Defender Jarell Quansah has signed a new long-term contract, while the club are also looking to agree a new deal with fellow defender Ibrahima Konate.
However, it is reported that while there has been contact between the club and all three of Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk, talks ‘have not found common ground.’ The Telegraph adds that ‘reaching an agreement which suits all parties has so far proven difficult.’