Liverpool are hopeful of tying down Joe Gomez to a new contract, according to a report from The Mirror

The lowdown: Difficult campaign for Gomez

Once considered the favoured partner alongside Virgil van Dijk, the man signed from Charlton Athletic in 2015 has found himself down the pecking order in recent times.

Joel Matip seemingly usurped the Englishman in 2021/22, whilst new arrival Ibrahima Konate also overtook the 25-year-old in Jurgen Klopp's preferred options.

That's despite the Londoner making a successful return from a serious knee injury last term. However, Gomez was unable to recapture his best form when called upon, and that has sparked speculation regarding a potential move away from Anfield this summer...

The latest: Gomez's future to be sorted

As per The Mirror, Liverpool's newly-appointed sporting director Julian Ward will be tasked with 'convincing' Gomez to stay on Merseyside.

It's claimed that the Reds are looking to tie down a 'number of their key players to long-term contracts' this summer but it's the future of the 11-cap England ace which could prove the most problematic for FSG.

The report also claimed that the man once hailed as a 'sensational footballer' by Klopp following a stellar run of form in 2020 has become 'frustrated' with a lack of regular action for Liverpool and will therefore be viewed as a priority for Ward and co.

Darwin's a Red! Get your special edition Darwin Nunez tee here.

The verdict: Agreement needed

With Gomez currently under contract until 2024 (Transfermarkt), there doesn't feel a need to rush into a new deal for any party. However, with doubts hanging over the defender's future and with the World Cup on the horizon, Liverpool need to appease an important member of the squad.

Last season, the 25-year-old made 20 appearances across all competitions, filling in as a right-back on 10 occasions. That was a much lower return than the 43 outings he made in his last injury-free campaign in 2019/20, when he was a huge part of the team which lifted the Premier League title.

Having played such an important role in numerous trophy successes in a world-class team, there can be no doubting Gomez's ability, so securing his future as part of the succession plan for the club beyond this summer is crucial for Liverpool.

Likewise, FSG may still remain hopeful of securing a new deal for Mohamed Salah in what is a huge first summer for Ward in the job.

In other news, a transfer expert has dropped a key Liverpool claim. Read more here