Liverpool are desperate to sign a new contract with Virgil Van Dijk

Liverpool are desperate to sign a new contract with defender Virgil Van Dijk, according to former scout Mick Brown.

The Dutch defender has entered the final year of his contract with the club and his future at Anfield remains uncertain.

Together with his central defensive partner Ibrahima Konate, he has started the new season in fine form and has once again shown that he is at the top of his game even at the age of 33.

Under Arne Slot, the Reds defense has been completely transformed, with the Merseyside club conceding just two goals in seven league games this season.

Van Dijk is a major reason behind their good defensive performances and the Reds are willing to do whatever it takes to keep him at the club.

Brown, a former scout for Manchester United, Tottenham and Aston Villa, told Football Insider:

‘I heard they’re desperate for him to sign.

“He has an all-consuming reputation and is regarded as one of the best defenders in the world, if not, and he plays in a team that wants to win things.

“A lot will depend on how they perform this season and they have started strongly.

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“They are going to look at it and assess whether they can improve where they are now.

“If he leaves, Liverpool won’t be able to find anyone even close to him.”

Liverpool risks losing not only Van Dijk but also Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold for free at the end of the season.

Many questions are being asked about how the club has handled the contract situation of these three players, which are crucial to their present and future.

They all performed best for Slot this season, taking Liverpool to the top of the league.

Liverpool cannot afford to lose Virgil Van Dijk

Van Dijk has long been the leader of Liverpool’s defense and they are not the same team without him.

His qualities are world class and with the way he has performed this season he has shown no signs of slowing down.

While Alexander-Arnold has been linked with a move to Real Madrid and Salah with a move to MLS, interest in Van Dijk has remained cool, but Liverpool have still identified their plan if the Dutch centre-back leaves the club.