'Bigger blow' - Liverpool sent Virgil van Dijk contract message after transfer update

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has argued securing the future of Virgil van Dijk is a greater priority than whether Mohamed Salah stays or goes this summer.

Both players are out of contract at Anfield in 2025 and are yet to commit to new deals at the club, raising the possibility of the duo leaving for free at the end of next season unless fresh terms can be agreed.

Much has been made about Salah's situation of late, on the back of his touchline argument with Jurgen Klopp, with supporters divided over whether to prolong the Egyptian's stay or to cash in if a suitable offer arrives.

Far less has been said about Van Dijk's long-term prospects, something Murphy has suggested is wrong and should be sorted with a sense of urgency.

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“I actually think the more important signing to keep is van Dijk, he told talkSPORT when asked about keeping Salah. "I know that sounds a bit silly because of Salah’s goals, but Liverpool don’t struggle to make chances.

“They have obviously in the recent months to six weeks struggled to convert them, of course, we know that, but they don’t struggle to make chances. I think Van Dijk going would be a bigger blow than Salah, in my opinion.”

Van Dijk recently provided an update on his contract situation, telling reporters: "I am at the club and the captain so I want to help, I will help and I should help [the transition]. If he is the one who comes then let's see.

"I think there is nothing for me to discuss because there is no news, I think the club is very much busy with who is going to be the new manager and that is the main focus.

"Like I said I am very happy here, I love the club and you can see that as well. It's a big part of my life already, and that is all I can say. The focus is now on the last two and then the club will focus on who the new manager is and there will be a big transition and I am part of that."