Liverpool delay contract talks with key player

New Liverpool boss Arne Slot will be working hard to identify transfer targets, with the window officially opening on Friday. 

The Dutchman, who succeeds Jurgen Klopp as manager at Anfield, will be hoping to bolster his squad ahead of his first season in charge on Merseyside.

Now, it appears that Liverpool’s transfer dealings have prompted the club to postpone contract negotiations with one of their most important players.

As per Football Insider, Liverpool have decided to delay contract discussions with captain Virgil van Dijk until the end of the year.

The Dutch defender’s current deal is set to expire next summer, although those in charge of the club are keen to keep hold of the player and tie him down to an extension.

Van Dijk will soon enter the final 12 months of his current contract

Despite this, Liverpool chiefs are instead choosing to prioritise the transfer market for the next few months, and have therefore made a decision on the proposed negotiations with the Netherlands international.

Van Dijk, 32, joined the Reds from Southampton in January 2018 and has since established himself as one of the best centre-backs in world football.

In total he has made 270 appearances for the Reds across all competitions, lifting no fewer than eight trophies during his time at Anfield.

Despite their desire to agree a new deal with Van Dijk, the report also claims that Liverpool will still look to sign a long-term replacement for the Dutchman, who will captain his country at the Euros this summer.

Fellow defender Joel Matip is set to leave Anfield when his contract expires at the end of the month, while the likes of Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate have both been hampered by injuries throughout their time with the club.