Liverpool have reportedly hit a roadblock in discussions with Virgil van Dijk over a new contract.
Having played every moment possible for the Reds in the Premier League this term, the towering defender will be targeting another solid 90 minutes as Everton visit for a Merseyside derby on Wednesday night.
Van Dijk has formed an intimidating partnership with France international Ibrahima Konate at centre-back this term under the tutelage of Arne Slot.
Despite back-to-back defeats against Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United prior to the international break, Liverpool remain in excellent shape as they seek to regain the English crown for the first time since 2020.
Slot’s winning machine is currently sitting pretty at the summit of the Premier League standings, 12 points ahead of Mikel Arteta‘s Arsenal in second.
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Liverpool’s Van Dijk ‘concerns’ revealed
According to Football Insider, Liverpool are having difficulties in negotiating an appropriate new contract with Van Dijk as the 2024-25 campaign rolls on.
After signing for the Anfield club from Southampton in January 2018, the Netherlands international is hurtling towards the expiration of his current deal in June.
Liverpool are said to be keen on retaining the services of the centre-back, who continues to be a major part of a successful era on Merseyside.
However, it is believed that Slot’s side have concerns over Van Dijk’s age, with the player turning 34 before the start of the upcoming season.
As a result, the Reds are currently not willing to offer the Dutchman a lengthy contract, an amenity that the defender is pursuing in negotiations.
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Who else could leave Liverpool this summer?
As well as Van Dijk, two other first-team stars are approaching the end of their Liverpool contracts in the form of Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The latter appears set to secure a controversial switch to Spanish and Europe champions Real Madrid, linking up with England teammate and friend Jude Bellingham.
There could also be a changing of the guard at left-back, with Andy Robertson‘s spot in the Anfield plans under threat as the Reds target Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez.
Ben Doak – a star of the Scotland national team who is currently on loan at Middlesbrough – is wanted by arch rivals Everton, as well as Crystal Palace and the aforementioned Cherries.
