Real Madrid are keen to tempt Liverpool into selling their star defender Virgil van Dijk.
The UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Award and likely Ballon d’Or nominee is now considered one of the best defenders in world football after leaving Southampton for £75million in 2017.
Van Dijk has led Liverpool to two consecutive Champions League finals and to within one point of Premier League champions Manchester City last season.
Despite his desire to win the league title with the Reds, Los Blancos are set to go all out to convince the Netherlands international to join their ranks.
Calcio Mercato journalist Nicolo Shira has now spoken out about the possible deal, with contract talks with his current club ongoing.
He said on Twitter: “Liverpool want to close Virgil Van Dijk’s renew until 2025.
“Reds are in talks with his agent and have offered a new wages of €12.5M a year plus bonuses.
“Real Madrid is interested in him, but Van Dijk is not considering to leave.”
The news will receive mixed emotions from the Anfield faithful who will be happy that the 28-year-old wants to stay, but worried that his opinion could change before he commits he future to the club.
Jurgen Klopp is likely to stand firm over one of his most important players as Liverpool go in search of their first league title since 1990.
However, as with Philippe Coutinho in the past, a mammoth bid could convince the club to reinvest.
“The boys got the credit and the benefit of what they did last year, so I think [this award] is well-deserved,” Klopp said after the centre back was named the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year.
“Virgil is – in this moment, for sure – the world’s best defender.
“I don’t want to put a big backpack on his shoulders, but I spoke about [how] he still has space for improvement, which is the best news actually.
“He is a really, really world-class central-defender and he was the outstanding player in the Champions League.”
Next up for Van Dijk and Liverpool is the visit of Newcastle before a trip to play Napoli in the Champions League.