Cristiano Ronaldo could have role to play in Liverpool agreeing new Mohamed Salah contract

Cristiano Ronaldo could play a surprise role in Mohamed Salah's Liverpool contract situation amid interest in the Egyptian from Saudi Arabia.

Salah's contract at Anfield expires next summer and little progress has been made in tying him down to a fresh deal. The 32-year-old has been heavily liked with a move to the Saudi Pro League in recent transfer windows following huge investment from the Kingdom's Public Investment Fund to attract huge stars like Ronaldo and Neymar.

Although Salah has remained on Merseyside and continues to play a pivotal role for Arne Slot's team, his future is uncertain with his contract winding down and lucrative offers sure to be forthcoming from the Middle East when he is permitted to start negotiations with other clubs in the final six months of his deal.

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But former Manchester United star Ronaldo could play a role in determining Salah's future and, potentially, boost the chances of the Egyptian remaining at Anfield beyond the end of his current deal. Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr from United last season and at 39 years old he remains a prolific goalscorer, hitting the back of the net eight times in 11 games this season.

But Al-Nassr fell short in its bid to win the league title last season, losing by a whopping 14 points to rivals Al-Hilal. And Al-Hilal has plans to get another one over on their rivals, making plans to try to sign Ronaldo, according to Spanish outlet SPORT.

The report says Al-Hilal is growing increasingly frustrated with Neymar due to his injury issues, which have wrecked his time in Saudi Arabia. He suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament after just five appearances last season.

The Brazilian returned to action last month, but after just two games he suffered a significant hamstring injury and is expected to be on the sidelines for several weeks. Amid growing frustration over the availability of its superstar player, Al-Hilal is said to be "dreaming" up a move for Ronaldo, which could have a domino effect on Merseyside.

Al-Ittihad was the club most prominently linked with Salah in recent transfer windows, talkSport reported this week that Al-Hilal had become the leading contender to make a move for him.

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But if the club turns its attention to Ronaldo, who remains effective on the pitch and provides enormous marketing opportunities off of it, a move for Salah could be off the table.

Of course, other Saudi clubs could still make a play for Salah's services in that scenario, but it could reduce the number of contenders Liverpool has to contend with when trying to secure a new deal that keeps the Premier League and Champions League winner at Anfield beyond the end of this season.