Liverpool Transfer News: Fabrizio Romano reveals Virgil van Dijk contract latest
Fabrizio Romano has provided another update on Virgil van Dijk's contract situation, as just over three months remain before the Liverpool legend will be able to negotiate with other clubs about a potential move away from Anfield.
The Liverpool captain is in a similar situation to stars Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contracts are both due to expire next summer, leaving Sporting Director Richard Hughes in a difficult position as he tries to convince them to stay.
Romano has said that while van Dijk has yet to talk to Liverpool about a new contract, he has also not spoken to any other clubs to date.
Read more: Salah contract boost as Fabrizio Romano provides latest update
"Every day we have different stories,' Romano said on his YouTube channel. "One day it's Mo Salah, the next it is Virgil van Dijk, and there is also the situation of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
"For van Dijk, what I'm told is that it really seems like a [similar] situation to Mo Salah. There will be conversations, this is what sources say about the story."
"Virgil – before making any decision on his future – will talk to Liverpool, and Liverpool – before making any decision on their future plan will have negotiations with van Dijk over a new deal, over the project, over the length of a potential new contract, the salary."
"There are a few points to discuss of course, but crucial points," Romano added. "So, there will be conversations with Mo Salah, with Virgil van Dijk, with Trent. Nothing is decided now, nothing is over, nothing is already extended, so let's give them time to discuss all these topics.
"What I'm told is NO, Virgil in this moment is not already negotiating with another club.
"Full focus is on Liverpool, full focus on doing something special with the new coach, with the new management and then, in the next weeks and the next months, he will have a conversation with Liverpool.
Arne Slot again refused to talk about contracts in his latest press conference ahead of his side's clash with Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
"It's again the boring answer you are going to get from me as long as there is no news. We don't talk about contract situations here,' he said.
"Is it a distraction? No, it isn't because I'm fully focused on the individuals and the team.
"They are part of the team and I'm trying to work with them in the best possible way to get the best out of them. It's not a distraction for me at all."
Read more: Three players Arne Slot has improved at Liverpool
While contract issues at Liverpool have been a cause for concern for fans over the past couple of months, van Dijk remains committed to the club.
"At both teams I am still Virgil van Dijk, the big leader! And I certainly want to remain that for the next two years," van Dijk said, during media duties for the Netherlands earlier this month.
It's the clearest indication yet that the defender wants to stay at Anfield and continue playing under new manager Arne Slot.
BEST DEFENCE
Liverpool have the best defence in the Premier League so far this season, with Slot's side yet to concede a goal in their first three games.
Slot's style of football has allowed the team to play with more control, providing a better platform for building attacks from the back and, crucially, reducing the number of quick transitions the defence has to face.
Despite the positive start to the season, Slot surprisingly missed out on being named the Premier League manager of the month for August earlier this week. However, if performances and results continue to roll in, we can expect an award next to Slot's name very soon.