Premier League giants tried to sign Virgil van Dijk on shock free transfer from bitter rivals Liverpool

A Premier League club 'explored' the idea of signing Virgil van Dijk on a stunning free transfer before he opted to sign a new Liverpool deal.

Van Dijk, whose previous deal had been set to expire at the end of the season, has ended speculation about his future after signing a new Liverpool contract.

He's penned a new deal that keeps him at Anfield beyond the 2024/25 season as his astronomical salary has been revealed.

Naturally, the 33-year-old attracted interest elsewhere as he entered the final months of his previous Liverpool contract.

Bundesliga outfit Bayern Munich and Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain were reportedly eyeing his situation ahead of tabling an offer.

The PSG rumours emerged after Van Dijk was spotted having a chat with the club's sporting director Luis Campos after their Champions League tie. But those talks were described as a 'friendly natter'.

Not to mention Chelsea, who 'explored' the idea of signing Van Dijk on a free transfer this summer.

That's according to The Daily Mail, who claim the feeling Chelsea got back is that he was going to sign a new deal at Liverpool.

The Dutch centre-back, who has been at Liverpool since January 2018, ultimately snubbed a move to Stamford Bridge as he expressed his happiness at extending his stay.

"Very happy, very proud. There are so many emotions obviously that go through my head right now speaking about it. It's a proud feeling, it's a feeling of joy. It's just incredible," he told the club's official website.

"The journey I've had so far in my career, to be able to extend it with another two years at this club is amazing and I'm so happy."

Virgil van Dijk has signed a new Liverpool deal. Image: Getty

He added: "It was always Liverpool. That was the case. It was always in my head, it was always the plan and it was always Liverpool. There wasn't any doubt in my head that this is the place to be for me and my family. I'm one of Liverpool. Someone called me the other day an adopted Scouser - I'm really proud to hear these things, it gives me a great feeling."

Van Dijk has made 314 appearances for Liverpool, winning the Premier League and the Champions League, among other trophies, during his time at the club.

He appears on course to win a second league title with Liverpool this season.