Liverpool are reportedly planning for Virgil van Dijk to extend his stay at Anfield by signing a new contract before the end of the year.
Mick Brown, the former chief scout of Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers exclusively told Football Insider that he is confident the 33-year-old will agree to a new deal this month.
This comes after reports indicating growing optimism that both Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah will put pen to paper on fresh terms.
Brown explained that Liverpool are aiming to announce the new contract in the coming weeks, a move that would provide a significant boost to the club and their supporters as they enter the second half of the season.
Currently, Arne Slot’s side are leading the Premier League with a four-point cushion over second-placed Chelsea, along with a game in hand following the postponement of their clash with Everton.
The announcement of their captain’s commitment to the club is expected to further galvanise the team’s title challenge and strengthen fan support.
Speculation surrounding Van Dijk’s future had intensified, with less than a year remaining on his current contract.
However, there is now growing confidence that he will sign a new deal.
“I’m confident he will sign a new contract,” Brown told Football Insider.
“From what I’m told, Liverpool want to have it all agreed before the January transfer window.
“The announcement that he has put pen to paper would be a major boost for the club and the supporters heading into the rest of the season.
“Being able to announce the supporters that he has signed a new deal would give them a boost at a time where they’re top of the league.
“That’s now what I am expecting to happen based on what I’ve heard.
“It’s a PR job for the club as much as anything else, in terms of the announcement, and a big boost for Arne Slot and his team too, keeping their captain.
“I don’t think Van Dijk ever wanted to leave, the only question would be about money but that isn’t an issue for Liverpool.”
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