Liverpool news: Arne Slot wants more from Hugo Ekitike as star's agent 'talks to three clubs'

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Their 2-0 triumph over Aston Villa prior to their European success propelled the current league champions to third place in the table, although they still trail league leaders Arsenal by seven points.With morale at Anfield on the upswing, the Reds can finally look ahead, but they face another tough challenge on Sunday as they head to the Etihad Stadium to square off against Pep Guardiola's team.READ MORE: Arne Slot addresses Andy Robertson form and Liverpool contract question - 'It's been a while'READ MORE: Alexander Isak injury latest as Liverpool return date set - 'Not ready'In the run-up to the clash between the two clubs that have been fierce rivals for nearly a decade, Hugo Ekitike has been urged to take his game to the next level by his manager, while Ibrahima Konate's uncertain future is once again making headlines as we bring you the latest news surrounding the Reds.Hugo Ekitike's weakness identifiedThe Frenchman has been one of Liverpool's standout performers since joining the club in a £79million deal in July. According to FotMob, from the 11 aerial challenges he's contested in the Premier League, he's prevailed in merely 37.9% of them.Konate's uncertain futureFollowing a difficult opening to the campaign for Konate, the France international has lately demonstrated why the Reds are determined to tie down his long-term future, with his contract set to expire next summer.Facing circumstances comparable to those of Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold last season, the clock is running down for the champions to negotiate fresh terms with the centre-half.

"It's no secret that our main goal is to extend Upa's contract," he said on Friday."There are probably a lot of clubs interested in him – he's one of the best centre-backs in the world. I think the comment that I signed my new deal and then it's like, you know, that's it and let it slide.

I think that was a bit...."While Rooney maintained that his comments about Van Dijk's subpar performances were justified, he did acknowledge the defender's irritation at the criticism was justified. On his BBC Sport podcast, he said: "I thought he was good that night, and I had loads of people say, 'Oh, when he came up to you,' I think fair play to him for coming out."I think Van Dijk, his issue was – maybe I was a bit unfair on that because I don't know him as a person.