Liverpool 'set' for Virgil van Dijk contract update as bargain transfer option emerges

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is set to extend his stay at Anfield, according to reports. It has been claimed that the towering Dutchman will end the speculation over his future on Merseyside by penning a new deal.

That is according to Anfield Watch who have suggested Van Dijk's captain is telling any potential suitors that he is no longer 'attainable'. The 33-year-old will be out of contract in June, meaning Liverpool would lose him as a free agent should an agreement fail to be reached and from January, he could enter negotiations over pre-contract deals with overseas clubs.

Van Dijk is one of three major decisions for Arne Slot and the Anfield hierarchy with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah in the midst of contract uncertainty.

READ MORE: Thibaut Courtois makes major Anfield admission as Real Madrid struggle to cope with Liverpool

READ MORE: Nervous chatter after Liverpool press conference change as Arne Slot pinpoints truth about injuries

Liverpool opened contract talks with the defender in October but when pressed over his future, he has remained coy on what lies ahead. He said last month: "I can say obviously discussions are ongoing, but I don't know, we will see what happens in the future.

"My very full focus is on Liverpool, wanting to win games that are ahead of me and nothing else.

"What the future will bring I have no idea at the moment. I can only tell you that discussions have been started up and we will see. I feel very good, physically, mentally and I am having fun.

"What the future brings I have no idea at the moment, but like I said in my previous answer, discussions are ongoing with the right people and when it's time to make a decision or whatever, I think you guys (the media) will know it as well.

"But now full commitment and focus is on Liverpool and to be successful this season. So we will see. My own form is fine. I will let others do the talking, I don't want to talk about myself. It is not me who is not conceding, it is all of us who are not conceding. I'm the captain, yes, but I am feeling very fine."

Meanwhile, Estadio Deportivo in Spain have reported that Liverpool are keeping tabs on Sevilla defender Loic Bade. It has been said that the French centre-back has a release clause in the region of £50million.

In their report, they claim Sevilla are open to listen to offers for Bade and Dodi Lukebakio for financial reasons if the offer is right in potential bargain deals for suitors. They say that either player could be moved on in January as they look for much-needed funds with the duo reportedly the most marketable players in the squad.

The La Liga club's financial problems are well-documented and in recent years they have continuously ran at a eye-watering loss. In October, it was reported that the club's debts had exceeded €65million (£54m). It was the fourth consecutive financial year of losses for the club and despite winning the Europa League, Sevilla incurred losses of €41.4million (£34m) during the pandemic, followed by €24.8million (£20m) in 2022 and €19.3million (£16m) in 2023.