Respected journalist Ben Jacobs has made a claim regarding the contract situation surrounding Liverpool forward Diogo Jota. 

The lowdown: Jota a Liverpool success

Signed from Wolves for an eye-opening £41m in 2020 (BBC), the Portugal forward arrived on Merseyside as a proven Premier League operator, having already netted 16 times in 67 outings as a winger for the Midlands club.

The 25-year-old has since gone from strength to strength on Merseyside, directly contributing to 43 goals in 85 appearances so far for the Reds, playing a key role in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup successes last term.

Currently earning a reported £120,000 per week (Salary Sport), the Anfield hierarchy are now seemingly ready to offer Jota a reward for his fine form with a lucrative new contract...

The latest: 'Matter of priority'

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jacobs has claimed that the fresh terms for the 26-cap Portugal star are now high on the list of priorities for FSG and Julian Ward, whilst also dismissing much of the speculation around potential incomings at Liverpool.

The CBS Sports journalist said: “Liverpool will also look to offer Diogo Jota improved terms as a matter of priority. Most of the other names currently being linked with Liverpool are just rumour or agent talk with little substance.”

The verdict: Richly deserved

Despite Jota being under contract until 2025 (Transfermarkt), this is another example of the Anfield hierarchy rewarding players for their form and ensuring that the club's prized assets are content with their status among the highest earners, a list now topped by Mohamed Salah.

Last season, Jota scored 21 times and provided eight assists from 55 appearances across all competitions, showcasing a potency in the final third as well as exceptional durability. Those two factors will be pivotal to Jurgen Klopp's squad in what looks set to be another gruelling campaign in 2022/23.

'unstoppable' by team-mate Andy Robertson following an 8.80 Sofascore-rated display against Leicester in February containing two goals, two key passes and three tackles - may be required to interchange with Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez as a striker and a left winger moving forwards.

Whatever his role, there can be little doubting that Jota is deserving of a new bumper contract at Liverpool.