Breaking up is HARD to do...

AND THAT'S EXACTLY HOW SLOT WANTS IT IN FACE OF TRENT DEPARTURE

- By PAUL GORST

ARNE SLOT has vowed that Liverpool “will generate new stars” in the wake of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s end-of-season exit.

And Slot says the vice captain's departure will harden the resolve of everyone at Anfield to make it as difficult as possible for more players to leave.

Alexander-Arnold, who informed Slot of his choice in March, publicly confirmed on Monday that he would be seeking pastures new when his contract expires on June 30 and Real Madrid are currently in talks with the Reds over releasing the defender earlier from his terms to enable him to play in the Club World Cup in the United States next month.

Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk penned new two-year contracts last month before Alexander-Arnold’s news became public on May 5 and Ibrahima Konate is another whose contract situation is the subject of debate with the France international heading into the final 12 months of his own deal.