Liverpool have made a contract offer to Virgil van Dijk as talks continue, according to reports.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein has revealed that the Premier League leaders have “made a contract offer” to the centre-back as they aim to end the “uncertainty” surrounding the defender’s future.
Van Dijk, 33, is one of three Liverpool players who are set to see their current deals expire in June 2025 – with Mohamed Salah’s and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s futures still uncertain.
The report suggests Liverpool’s opening bid “fell short” of the Dutchman’s expectations, and there has been “no breakthrough” on the value or length of the potential deal.
“Dialogue” has reportedly taken place for some time, with conversation also “ongoing” between Alexander-Arnold and the club.
Although it is unclear what the result of the reported talks will be amid interest from Real Madrid.
Ornstein also explained how Salah’s comments about not receiving a contract offer were still correct as of Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday, but this is anticipated to “change soon”.
The former Celtic defender previously discussed his future on October 24.
“Obviously discussions are ongoing, but I don’t know, we will see what happens in the future,” he said.
“My full focus is on Liverpool, wanting to win games that are ahead of me and nothing else.
“What the future will bring I have no idea at the moment. I can only tell you that discussions have been started up and we will see.”
Van Dijk signed for Liverpool in 2018 for a reported fee of £75m but has more than justified the hefty price tag in his 288 appearances for the club. During his time at Anfield, he has won every trophy available to him but will, no doubt, be aiming to secure a second Premier League crown to add the 2020 triumph under Jurgen Klopp.
The Reds are currently top of the league, with Arsenal and Chelsea their closest challengers both trailing Arne Slot’s side by nine points.
While current champions Man City are 11 points behind Liverpool
Liverpool could still make huge signing in January even if star player signs new contract
It has been a stellar start to the season for Arne Slot as his men currently sit eight points clear at the top of the Premier League.
In Europe, Liverpool are the only team with a 100% record in the UEFA Champions League as they also sit at the summit with 15 points.
However, despite the early encouragement, fans are still worried as the futures of key trio Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander Arnold remain uncertain.
All three players will walk away from Anfield for free in the summer when their contracts come to an end and so far, there seems to be no breakthrough in negotiation between the club and the players.
With the January transfer window on the horizon, it has been claimed that Liverpool could be targeting a new signing.
As reported by The Echo, Spanish news outlet Estadio Deportivo has claimed that Liverpool are keeping tabs on Sevilla defender Loic Bade amid rumours that Van Dijk could extend his stay.
It has been suggested that the Frenchman has a release clause of £50 million and that Sevilla are open to offers for Bade and forward Dodi Lukebakio due to financial reasons.
In addition, it has been reported that both Bade and Lukebakio could leave in January with the club looking to bring in as much profit as possible.
Bade has been linked with Liverpool with Van Dijk’s future still up in the air.
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Last month, Liverpool captain Van Dijk was asked about his future.
He said: “My very full focus is on Liverpool, wanting to win games that are ahead of me and nothing else.
“What the future will bring I have no idea at the moment. I can only tell you that discussions have been started up and we will see. I feel very good, physically, mentally and I am having fun.”
The 33-year-old continued: “What the future brings I have no idea at the moment, but like I said in my previous answer, discussions are ongoing with the right people and when it’s time to make a decision or whatever, I think you guys (the media) will know it as well.
“But now full commitment and focus is on Liverpool and to be successful this season. So we will see. My own form is fine. I will let others do the talking, I don’t want to talk about myself. It is not me who is not conceding, it is all of us who are not conceding. I’m the captain, yes, but I am feeling very fine.”