Alan Shearer has no doubts when it comes to Mo Salah, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi debate

Mo Salah is the best centre-forward in the world right now.

That is the verdict of Premier League all-time top goalscorer Alan Shearer, who's been highly impressed by the Liverpool talisman this season.

Salah has been in imperious form for the Reds throughout the campaign.

He's plundered an outstanding 23 goals in just 26 appearances, along with recording nine assists.

That has resulted in Jurgen Klopp's side sitting second in the Premier League and advance into the last 16 of the Champions League.

However, Liverpool will have to cope without Salah and fellow forward Sadio Mane for a little while longer.

Both are currently away at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) representing Egypt and Senegal respectively.

‘The very best centre-forward in the world’

Shearer, speaking to our sister website LondonWorld, believes AFCON is a fantastic competition.

And amid the debate of who is the best goalscorer on the planet - with Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi all in the mix - the Newcastle legend has no doubt Salah boasts the accolade.

Shearer said: "I think it (AFCON) is fantastic. When you sign a player and, at some stage, you know you're going to lose them because of the African Cup of Nations, that means you've got a good player - because they are representing their country.

“We are fortunate to have the very best.

“When you talk about Salah and Mane at Liverpool, Salah is probably the very best centre-forward in the world right at the moment.

It's a great competition and I can understand why so many players want to play in it."

Will Mo Salah sign a new contract at Liverpool?

Much has been made of Salah's future at Anfield.

He's now into the final 18 months of his current Liverpool contract, which expires in the summer of 2023. Both parties remain locked in negotiations.

In a recent interview, the former Chelsea and AS Roma star insisted he was not asking for ‘anything crazy’ when it comes to a new deal.

Reds boss Klopp remains relaxed about the situation.