Liverpool have reportedly identified a replacement for Virgil Van Dijk should the defender decide not to renew his contract at the club.
Van Dijk is one of three key players at Liverpool who are out of contract next summer. Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also in the final year of their Liverpool deals.
Reports on Wednesday claimed that Van Dijk had been offered new terms to stay at Anfield. The Athletic have claimed that while Van Dijk has been offered a new deal, there is still work to be done to persuade him to extend his stay at Anfield.
Liverpool’s opening offer of a new deal fell short of Van Dijk’s expectations. Arne Slot’s side need to reach a breakthrough on the value and length of the extension.
Liverpool have been reluctant to offer new contracts to star players approaching or already in their 30s.
Should Van Dijk reject new terms then Liverpool will look to bring in his replacement.
Liverpool Eye Up Murillo As Virgil Van Dijk’s Replacement
According to Gary Lineker on The Rest is Football podcast, Liverpool wanted to sign Murillo from Nottingham Forest.
Lineker revealed that the Reds had been eyeing up the Brazilian and have been particularly impressed by his performances at Forest.
Murillo is only 22 years old and with Premier League football under his belt, could make him the ideal replacement for Van Dijk.
It is being reported that Forest would demand upwards of £70 million for the defender.
However, it remains to be seen if Liverpool will make a move just yet. Contract negotiations are still ongoing with Van Dijk and keeping him at the club would be the popular option.
Updates on Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold
The report on Van Dijk’s new deal also claims that an offer of an extension is expected for Mohamed Salah.
Salah has been vocal about his contract situation at Liverpool, insisting he has not received the offer of a new deal and that he is ‘more out than in’.
The Egyptian, who turns 33 next summer, is in incredible form however, with 27 goal contributions in 21 games.
Salah shone in Liverpool’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Newcastle on Wednesday. The winger scored twice and assisted another but only walked away from St James’ Park with a point.
There is also ongoing dialogue between the Reds and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The homegrown Liverpool star has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid after his contract expires next summer.
Liverpool fans will hope to soon hear progress on new deals for Van Dijk, Salah and Alexander-Arnold.
