Huge boost for Liverpool with key player keen to stay

Liverpool go into the international break top of the pile in the Premier League after a 1-0 win against Crystal Palace on Saturday. 

The Reds were forced to work hard at Selhurst Park but Diogo Jota’s first-half goal ultimately proved to be enough to earn Arne Slot’s side an important three points.

Since taking charge of the club over the summer, Slot has guided Liverpool to nine wins from ten matches across all competitions, including six victories from seven Premier League games.

The Dutchman will be hopeful about his chances of challenging for the title this term, but Liverpool face a daunting run of fixtures in the coming weeks which includes games against Arsenal, Brighton and Hove Albion, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur all before Christmas.

Off the pitch, though, the Reds appear to have been handed some good news.

According to Football Insider, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is keen to stay put at the club beyond the end of his current deal next summer.

Van Dijk is currently in the final year of his contract at Liverpool

The Dutchman’s contract is set to expire at the end of the current campaign, and it is claimed that the player himself is keen to remain at Anfield despite the uncertainty surrounding his future at present.

Van Dijk, 33, joined the Reds from Southampton in January 2018 and has since made more than 275 appearances for the club.

He has won eight trophies during his time on Merseyside, including both the Premier League and the Champions League.

At present, Van Dijk will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with any foreign club in January.

Liverpool, though, are keen to ensure the central defender stays put beyond next summer, and the report suggests that the player himself is also keen to reach an agreement.

It is also claimed that the Netherlands international has been impressed with his fellow countryman since Slot took charge over the summer, succeeding Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss.