Liverpool have "genuine" interest in one of the best players in the Premier League ahead of the January transfer window, but they face competition from a number of top flight clubs.
The talk around Anfield shifted away from the Reds' perilous form last week courtesy of Mohamed Salah's comments in the aftermath of the 3-3 draw at Leeds.
The legendary winger suggested there are forces within the club driving him out, but captain Virgil van Dijk has insisted he wants Salah to stay.
"I speak to him about everything. I told him I want him to stay," said Van Dijk.
"I would love to have him around as he is one of the leaders, but the fact is he is going to AFCON. We will be in contact over the next days and weeks like we always are and let’s see.
Slot gives instructions to Salah
"I wish him absolutely all the best – and (to) come back. Hopefully. I have no control over that.
"We hope he will be absolutely successful there and we all hope he will be coming back to be important for the rest of the season."
Salah suggested the Brighton game could be his last in a Liverpool shirt, revealing he told family members to come to Anfield for what could be his final bow ahead of his departure for AFCON.
Liverpool are expected to shop for replacements for the Egyptian in January, and Fabrizio Romano, writing for Give Me Sport, has confirmed Antoine Semenyo is a "genuine" target.
However, he also reports Semenyo is dominating the transfer lists of several clubs, with Manchester United, Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester City also expected to compete for the Bournemouth winger's signature.
"Genuine interest but there are more clubs also keen. It’s going to be a race also with more sides, depending on what the player wants to do."
Semenyo prefers to join Liverpool over Man Utd
Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo
Semenyo has reached elite level in the Premier League this season, scoring six times and providing three assists in 14 games - which is more direct goal involvements than any Liverpool player has in the league this season.
"He is incredible, he shows it every game now," teammate Justin Kluivert said in October.
"He is just world-class. We are glad to have him and that is why I said we have a good team. He is the one that scores goals for us and we appreciate that. He's doing an amazing job."
And according to reports, Semenyo has chosen to join Liverpool over Manchester United, so the Reds may be able to fend off competition for his signature if they can stump up his £65m release clause, which becomes active only for certain teams in January.