'Why on earth are Liverpool letting this rumble on?'

If Liverpool win the Premier League this season it will be "largely down to Mo Salah", says former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton.

The Reds' forward has been in impressive form so far this campaign and is the club's top scorer this term with 12 goals in all competitions.

Despite this, questions around Salah's future with the club continue as he enters the final months of his contract.

More fuel was added to the conversation after the win over Southampton on Sunday when the Egypt international told reporters that he is "probably more out than in" and has yet to be offered fresh terms.

"I know some people have seen it as an issue that can disrupt Liverpool’s season, but he has been the best player in the Premier League this season. He is so, so important to the way that Liverpool play," Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live breakfast.

"He is in incredible physical condition, he is in unbelievable shape, we know he is 32 so the underlying issue seems to be Liverpool don't like to give longer contracts out to players who are over 30. Van Dijk is in that category as well, but there are always exceptions to the rule.

"The fact is, Salah is still performing to a high level and he is frustrated that there has not been a deal agreed. Most Liverpool fans will be scratching their heads and wondering what on earth is going on.

"If Liverpool win the Premier League this season, it will be largely down to Mo Salah and his form. The fact that physically he is in great shape now, he is going to go on for another couple of seasons at least, he is such an important player, so why on earth are Liverpool letting this rumble on? I don't understand it."

Listen back to the full discussion on BBC Sounds