Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah smiled and shook hands with Cody Gakpo after the Netherlands international was named as the Reds’ player of the month. Gakpo landed the accolade after bagging four goals and an assist during six outings in January.

Salah has been Liverpool’s star man this season, bagging an incredible 26 goals and 18 assists in all competitions.

But he was denied a fifth player of the month award due to the imperious form of Gakpo.

Gakpo has become a key figure in the Liverpool team and has started their last 12 matches in the Premier League.

He grabbed a brace and an assist during his side’s 4-1 top-flight thrashing of Ipswich in late January, before finding the back of the net during the Reds’ 3-2 defeat against PSV in the Champions League four days later.

The 25-year-old illustrated his talents on and off the ball throughout the month as Liverpool continued their fine form.

After being handed his player of the month trophy at the Liverpool training ground, Gakpo was congratulated by Curtis Jones and Virgil van Dijk. And as he wandered over to Salah, he exclaimed: “I stole your trophy, Mo.”

The Egypt international was delighted for his team-mate, however, as he beamed from ear to ear and shook hands with his fellow winger.

Both players will have another chance to win a player of the month award in February, with Liverpool still preparing to face huge encounters against the likes of Everton, Manchester City and Newcastle.

Salah’s future at Anfield is still up in the air as he is out of contract in the summer and is yet to sign a new deal.

He has been linked with a summer move to Saudi Arabia, while a host of European teams could also attempt to secure his signature.

And earlier this week, his former Reds team-mate Dejan Lovren told Win Win: “Yes, I think he is closer to leaving than staying at the moment. That’s my feeling about the situation.

“I hope things change because, honestly, I wish him the best. But in the end, yes, money is an important factor, but he deserves more than just money.

“The question is: who will replace him? How will you find a replacement for him? How can you compensate for his absence?

“That’s the first question I would ask the club’s management: ‘Who will replace him? Who will give you what Mohamed Salah gives you? Who will provide you with the stats and numbers that he delivers?’”