Liverpool finally 'make official offer' to first out-of-contract star as trio's futures take new twist

Liverpool have made a contract offer to Virgil van Dijk as talks continue, according to reports.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein has revealed that the Premier League leaders have “made a contract offer” to the centre-back as they aim to end the “uncertainty” surrounding the defender’s future.

Van Dijk, 33, is one of three Liverpool players who are set to see their current deals expire in June 2025 – with Mohamed Salah’s and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s futures still uncertain.

The report suggests Liverpool’s opening bid “fell short” of the Dutchman’s expectations, and there has been “no breakthrough” on the value or length of the potential deal.

"Dialogue" has reportedly taken place for some time, with conversation also “ongoing” between Alexander-Arnold and the club.

Although it is unclear what the result of the reported talks will be amid interest from Real Madrid.

Ornstein also explained how Salah’s comments about not receiving a contract offer were still correct as of Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday, but this is anticipated to “change soon”.

The former Celtic defender previously discussed his future on October 24.

Virgil van Dijk's contract is set to expire this summer (Credit:Getty)

“Obviously discussions are ongoing, but I don’t know, we will see what happens in the future," he said.

"My 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.”

Van Dijk signed for Liverpool from Southampton in 2018 for a reported fee of £75m but has more than justified the hefty price tag in his 288 appearances for the club.

During his time at Anfield, he has won every trophy available to him but will, no doubt, be aiming to secure a second Premier League crown to add to the 2020 triumph under Jurgen Klopp.

The Reds are currently top of the league, with Arsenal and Chelsea their closest challengers both trailing Arne Slot's side by nine points.

While current champions Man City are 11 points behind Liverpool.

The defender could also secure a second Champions League as Liverpool currently top the 36-team group phase with a perfect record of five wins in five games.