Man Utd, Liverpool and Arsenal risk losing nine stars in January

Premier League clubs including Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal face losing several stars this month when their contracts end. Players can now discuss a pre-contract deal with foreign clubs before leaving the top flight next summer.

Liverpool's situation has been a hot topic of discussion. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk could all leave Anfield and cause plenty of summer upset for Arne Slot. But other clubs will face similar dilemmas over the coming months.

Express sport looks at some key names who will be out of contract at the end of the season – and who could even leave as early as the start of this month.

Man Utd – Amad, Maguire, Lindelof

Ruben Amorim has been faced with problem after problem since arriving from Sporting CP in November. He now risks losing three players to pre-contractual deals in January. Despite reports of discussions over extensions for Amad Diallo and Harry Maguire, there has been no confirmation that either have signed new deals.

Amad would represent a particularly significant loss given his performance during the first month of Amorim's reign. He and Rasmus Hojlund appear to be two of the few stars with a long-term future under the Portuguese boss.

Victor Lindelof has always been a solid depth option who would need to be replaced if he left for free. This could have a cost for INEOS, which is keen to limit its spending.

Liverpool – Alexander-Arnold, Salah, Van Dijk

Liverpool are top of the Premier League but could face a make-or-break summer. Trent Alexander-Arnold could spend this month formally discussing a deal with suitors Real Madrid, although the right-back insists his discussions with his current club will not take place in public.

Salah has taken a contrasting approach, happy to reveal he has not received any offers from Liverpool. The Reds remain keen to tie down the two players but will be careful to keep them within a tight salary structure.

Van Dijjk's contract extension will also be vital. Remarkably, the Dutchman seems to be improving at 33 years old.

Arsenal – Partey, Jorginho, Tierney

Mikel Arteta could lose two key midfielders if Thomas Partey and Jorginho decide this month that they want to explore their options. This could portend a busy summer trying to recruit a new midfielder, with Martin Zubimendi heavily linked with the north Londoners.

Arsenal have already confirmed that Kieran Tierney will leave when his contract expires at the end of the season, freeing up significant funds.

Man City – De Bruyne, Gundogan

Manchester City looked lost without a fully fit Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian struggled to return to fitness due to a sports hernia, with his minutes limited as City collapsed.

Losing De Bruyne on a free transfer would be a major blow, as would the double whammy of saying goodbye to Ilkay Gundogan, who returned on a one-year deal last summer. De Bruyne has so far not ruled out a move to Saudi Arabia.

Tottenham – Son, Reguilon

Spurs technically have the option to extend Son's contract for another year. Although they did the same thing with Ben Davies, why the same thing doesn't seem to have happened for Son remains a bit of a mystery.

The experienced striker guided Ange Postecoglou's young side as captain and still remains one of the best players in the Premier League at 32 years old. His form has dipped in recent weeks, and perhaps the Spurs icon is considering heading for the exit.

Other notable players – Sean Longstaff, Callum Wilson (Newcastle), Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucoure (Everton) Kyle Walker-Peters (Southampton), Adama Traoré (Fulham).