Salah ‘making noise’ over Liverpool future for financial benefit, claims Bale

Mohamed Salah's comments about his future at Liverpool may have been an act “to get some more money”, former Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale said on Wednesday.

Bale joined the TNT Sports team at Anfield ahead of Liverpool's clash with Madrid, just three days after Salah caused a stir with speculation over his stay on Merseyside.

Salah scored twice against Southampton before saying he was “more out than in” due to a lack of action on his contract, which expires at the end of this season.

Reds great Jamie Carragher criticized the Egyptian star's words, after which Bale suggested Salah would remain at Liverpool despite the developments.

“We never brought up those things, it's always about training or general life,” Bale said before Liverpool's 2-0 win over Madrid at Anfield.

'I can't imagine this affecting anyone, it will be resolved upstairs with his agent.

“I'm sure he's just making noise to get some more money, to be honest!”

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Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand defended Salah's actions, claiming his honesty meant no wrongdoing or harm could have been caused.

“The most important thing is that he is not at fault,” Ferdinand added of his duties as an expert. “He wasn't disrespectful; he just stated some facts.

“As teammates that's all you care about. Is he still with us? Mo Salah is scoring goals week in, week out.

“He wants to win here and it sounds like he wants to stay, but for a little more money.”

Salah may have been on his mind against Madrid after missing a second-half penalty when Liverpool were 1-0 up after Alexis Mac Allister's opener.

It was only the second penalty that Salah has failed to convert, as he cleared the 12-yard post after seven attempts in the competition.

Kylian Mbappe also failed to do so with his own penalty at the other end, as Caoimhin Kelleher saved to keep the Reds ahead, before Cody Gakpo's late header secured all three points.

That win ensured Liverpool progressed through the 36-team stage of the Champions League, and at least secured a play-off tie, although that's unlikely given they lead by 15 points.