Liverpool Sources: Significant Van Dijk update today

Liverpool are keen to offer Virgil van Dijk a new contract but he will have the final say about his future, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that Liverpool will sit down with the defender to discuss his position on agreeing a new contract this year.

The 33-year-old remains a key part of Arne Slot’s team and has already proved his worth this season with his performances in the opening stages.

The defender left fans stunned with his display against Manchester United as he showed his authority on the pitch in a spat with Lisandro Martinez.

Van Dijk is a “huge” figure both on and off the pitch and in the Liverpool dressing room, and the club’s hierarchy are reluctant to let their captain leave on a free transfer.

Having entered the final year of his contract at Anfield, he would be able to speak to foreign clubs about a possible free transfer from January onwards.

Liverpool keen for Virgil van Dijk to sign new deal after talks

Having joined Liverpool in January 2018, Van Dijk has established himself as one of the most important players at the club.

During his spell at Anfield, he has made 273 appearances, helping the team to win the Champions League, Club World Cup, Premier League, FA Cup and three League Cups.

His role in the heart of Liverpool’s defensive unit has continued under Slot as it was under Jurgen Klopp and the new boss is keen to keep him there.

With his contract now coming to an end next summer, he is set to consider whether he has done all he can at Anfield, and could look to join a new project.

Ahead of sit-down talks with the club, sources say Van Dijk will make his own decision about where his future lies and whether they can still match his ambitions.

The defender had revealed in an interview after Euro 2024 that he would “think carefully” about his future at club level, refusing to make any commitments at this early stage.

However, Football Insider revealed in July that Liverpool are “desperate” to avoid a “disaster” next summer with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah also set for contract talks.

In other news, West Ham are pushing for a deal to sign Joel Matip.

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