Former Premier League defender Micah Richards believes it is “imperative” that Liverpool hand Mo Salah a new contract at the club.

The Egyptian scored his 7th Premier League goal of the season against Brighton on Saturday and moved away from Robbie Fowler to become the 8th top scorer in the history of the competition.

Speaking on the BBC’s Match of the Day, Richards said: “There was talk about contracts and whether he was going to renew or not – they need to sign him.

“It is imperative to give him a two-year contract at the end of the season. He will be 33 this summer, that will take him to 35.

“He doesn’t need to play well to score big goals and have big moments. That’s the difference between a very good player and a top player.”

Watch Match of the Day on BBC iPlayer