Liverpool have offered Virgil van Dijk a new contract, according to reports.
The defender is amongst a trio of Liverpool stars at risk of being allowed to leave the club for free with Van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah all having only a few months remaining on their deals.
However, according to The Athletic, the Reds have taken their first steps at attempting to keep the trio of stars by offering the Dutchman a fresh deal.
The outlet claim that Liverpool have tabled an opening bid to keep the 33-year-old beyond June – however it fell short of his expectations and there’s been no major breakthrough.
Throughout the opening stages of the campaign, the veteran defender has been a vital part of Arne Slot‘s side and has proved he’s still able to perform at the top level.
The report further claims that, though discussions have not advanced yet, Liverpool are expected to make contact with Salah’s team to begin negotiations over a new deal.
Liverpool have reportedly offered star centre-back Virgil van Dijk a new contract
The Dutchman – who has impressed this season – is nearing the end of his current deal
Arne Slot’s side sit top of the table thanks to the stellar defensive performances of Van Dijk
Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, is a boyhood Liverpool fan but has not been offered contract extension agreed. He has since been linked with a move away to Real Madrid with increasing regularity.
For Alexander-Arnold – an emblematic figure at the club, vice-captain, and arguably the best right back in the world – to leave for nothing in the summer would be a debilitating blow to the Reds.
However, the Athletic reports that there is work being done to secure his services for the near future, though there is still no breakthrough in talks.
As such, the longer talks go on, the more confidence suitors such as Real Madrid will gain – especially when they know they can snap him up from January 1.
The club do not want to miss out on their defensive star, but their hand may be forced into trying to match both the allure and financial might of Real Madrid should talks stall for much longer with the player.
Alexander-Arnold has been impressive for Liverpool amid their title charge over the course of the season so far, looking to be enjoying life under Arne Slot.
The Reds currently sit top of the table with 34 points having lost just one game, nine points clear of Arsenal in second and Chelsea in third.
Salah, meanwhile, previously signed a long-term extension in 2022 at a time when his future was under similar concern before putting pen-to-paper on new lucrative terms.
Trent Alexander-Arnold could leave Liverpool for free with a contract still yet to be offered
Mohamed Salah is the third and final Liverpool star who could walk away for free next year
On Sunday, he was linked with a move to Ligue 1 champions PSG as he nears the point at which he is free to negotiate a contract with a foreign club.
Salah shares a relationship with PSG owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi and the club have previously tried to sign him but are now being encouraged in their efforts by the Liverpool star, as reported by L’Equipe.
The French outlet – who also admit PSG have denied links – state that Salah is actively engaging in discussions and could see himself playing for the Ligue 1 champions next season.
The Saudi Pro League is also another option for Salah with Al-Ittihad having a £200m bid rejected by the Anfield club last year.