Arne Slot sent Liverpool message loud and clear during England’s win over Ireland

After a summer of speculation linking him with a move to Liverpool, Anthony Gordon has given manager Arne Slot plenty to ponder after his impressive performance for England. And the Kop faithful may be all the more inclined to encourage a deal for the former Everton star as a result.

Newcastle winger Gordon was instrumental in England's 2-0 UEFA Nations League victory over the Republic of Ireland on Saturday. And it was a link-up with Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold in particular that got tongues wagging.

That's after Alexander-Arnold's searching ball up front found Gordon to help tee up Declan Rice's opening goal in Dublin, sparking excitement among Reds fans about a potential partnership between the two players. Rumours of Liverpool's interest in Gordon first surfaced during Euro 2024, but he ended up remaining at St. James' Park for the time being.

The idea of Alexander-Arnold regularly teaming up with his international colleague is an incredibly exciting prospect. However, The Mirror has explored how there's another significant issue that Slot needs to address.

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That concern lies with the future of Alexander-Arnold, who is already some months into the final year of his contract. The defender sits as one of several key players at Anfield whose current deals are due to expire in 2025, with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk being the others. Reports have heavily linked him with a move to Real Madrid, which would see him unite with good friend Jude Bellingham, who has been on fire in the Spanish capital since his switch from Borussia Dortmund.

Slot wrapped up his inaugural summer at the Anfield helm with just one outfield signing: Federico Chiesa, who arrived for a budget-friendly fee from Juventus. Rather than making any hasty decisions following Jurgen Klopp's exit, the former Feyenoord boss opted for patience as he runs the rule over his existing squad.

Said prudence could play a big role in funding a move for Gordon next year. The 23-year-old moved to Newcastle from Everton in January 2023 for £45million, but more recent reports indicate his value has all but doubled since then.

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Securing a winger of Gordon's quality could be all the more necessary should Mohamed Salah head for the exit in 2025. And the homecoming of one prodigal son could be the optimal solution to replace Liverpool's adopted hero.

The path to partnering what could be a deadly duo at club level is relatively simple on paper. The only small issue outside Gordon's transfer is ensuring Alexander-Arnold remains at Anfield for the foreseeable future - which may be a major task in itself.