Virgil Van Dijk provides straightforward response when asked about new contract talks with Liverpool

Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk has provided a straightforward response to questions about his contract situation at the club, stating that there is no news to report. Van Dijk's contract with the Reds is set to expire next summer.

The Dutchman will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with other clubs in January if his future at Anfield remains unsettled.

When asked about his contract situation after the Reds' 1-0 Champions League victory over Girona on Tuesday, December 10, the Liverpool skipper responded (via Tribal Football):

"There is no word. No word. No news."

Virgil van Dijk has been one of Liverpool's best players since joining the Merseyside outfit from Southampton for a reported £75 million in January 2018. He led the side to a Premier League and UEFA Champions League title under former manager Jurgen Klopp and has continued to flourish in Arne Slot's setup.

Despite being 33, Van Dijk is still performing at his best and is regarded as one of the best center-backs in Europe. As such, it is highly unlikely that the club will be willing to lose him on a free. Van Dijk has played every single minute of Liverpool's 20 games in the league and Champions League this season, contributing two goals and an assist.

Alongside the Dutchman, Mohammed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also in the final few months of their contracts with Liverpool and are yet to pen new deals.

Former Manchester United star rates Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk ahead of Rio Ferdinand

Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has claimed that Virgil van Dijk is a better defender than Rio Ferdinand. Jones and Ferdinand shared the locker room at Old Trafford, but he admitted that he is a huge fan of the Reds' defender.

Jones said on Sky Sports (via TBR Football):

"I think from a modern-day centre-half and what you would want, you know, he’s commanding, he’s great on the ball, he’s a threat in both boxes. I think it would be harsh to say he [Ferdinand] wouldn’t have been as good as he is now as he was in that era."

“I think he still would have been top, but I’ve got to go Van Dijk. Just because I think what he’s given Liverpool over the last five/six years has been incredible. He might have had a little bit of a dip in form over the last four/five months, but he’s right up there," he added.

Jones joined the Red Devils from Blackburn Rovers in 2011 and remained at the club until 2023. He made 229 appearances for United in a spell which was unfortunately marked by numerous injuries.