Virgil van Dijk ‘snubs’ Liverpool contract offer as Reds locked in talks with captain | Football | Sport
Virgil van Dijk has reportedly turned down Liverpool‘s opening offer in negotiations over a new contract at Anfield. The 33-year-old is coming to the end of his existing deal, which is due to expire at the end of the season.
If he fails to sign extended terms before the start of the January window, there will be nothing to stop him agreeing a future move elsewhere.
Players in the final year of their existing deals will be free to negotiate pre-contract agreements with non-English clubs at the turn of the year, meaning Liverpool could lose their star defender without receiving a penny.
The Reds have already started contract talks with Van Dijk and his representatives but did not get anywhere with their opening offer, according to The Athletic.
It is said that Liverpool tabled a bid to keep the Dutchman beyond the end of the season, but it fell short of his expectations and there has been no breakthrough on the value or length of an extension.
The report adds that discussions are still ongoing with the aim of reaching an agreement to suit all parties. Liverpool want to keep Van Dijk around for the foreseeable future, having recognised his pivotal role in their impressive start to the season.
Last week, it was reported by some outlets that a deal had already been signed but Van Dijk was quick to dismiss those claims ahead of Liverpool‘s win over Manchester City.
Asked to clear things up in an interview with Viaplay, he said: “There is no change at all, there is no update at all, there is no news for the outside world. So I have nothing to share. There is nothing at all, it is all untrue.”
Liverpool are also thought to be in talks with Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants have reportedly informed Liverpool of their intention to sign the England defender on a free transfer. They are not obliged to declare their interest, but it is said they want to be respectful by keeping the Reds in the loop.
Mohamed Salah will also be out of contract at the end of the season and recently said he was yet to receive any correspondence over a potential new deal.
Speaking after scoring twice in the win over Southampton, he said: “We are almost in December and I haven’t received any offers yet to stay in the club. I’m probably more out than in.
“You know I have been in the club for many years. There is no club like this, but in the end it is not in my hands.”
