Will Virgil van Dijk sign a new deal at Liverpool? Fresh reports emerge on Dutch defender's contract talks

Virgil van Dijk is reportedly close to extending his contract at Liverpool with the star defender's current deal set to run out at the end of this season.

According to GiveMeSport, Liverpool are confident about securing Van Dijk's future at the club following a round of positive discussions with the star. They are likely to finalise the centre-back's extension before offering both Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold new deals.

The Reds, who are currently atop the 2024-25 Premier League table with 28 points from 11 matches, are aiming to offer Van Dijk a contract of more than a year. Their stance is proof of the Dutchman's importance.

Van Dijk, who is reportedly on a £220,000-a-week contract now, has started all 15 of his appearances across competitions for Liverpool this season. The 33-year-old has guided the Reds to nine clean sheets so far.

Overall, the 78-cap Netherlands international has won eight trophies at his current team. He has found the back of the net 25 times and contributed 13 assists in 285 matches across all competitions for the Reds.

Tim Sherwood heaps praise on Liverpool boss

Ex-Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood has heaped praise on Arne Slot for helping the Reds emerge as a Premier League title contender this season. He said (h/t Liverpool Echo):

"Arne Slot has done a magnificent job and the transition looks seamless... it looks like he's kept all of the boys happy and ready to go and lift silverware again. Remember, we are talking about a team who have won the Premier League and the Champions League [recently]. It's crazy, really, that so many people disregarded them at the start of the season... everyone's guilty of it."

Sherwood, who lifted the Premier League title once as a player, added:

"No one really thought they were going to win it, and I don't know why we all felt like that. They've been there, course and distance, and they've still got magnificent players. And they've got younger players, like Curtis Jones, who almost looks reborn under the new manager. The manager is very astute... he's working well with the group and he's getting the best out of every single player."

Since replacing Jurgen Klopp in the Reds' dugout, Slot has guided his new team to 15 wins and just one defeat in 17 games across all competitions.

Slot's side will next be in action against newly promoted Southampton in a Premier League clash at St. Mary's Stadium on Sunday (November 24).