Liverpool ‘offer VVD a new deal and are expected to follow suit with Salah soon

Liverpool have offered Virgil van Dijk a new contract, according to reports.

The defender is among a trio of Liverpool stars at risk of leaving the club for free, with Van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah all having just months left on their terms.

However, according to The Athletic, the Reds have taken their first steps in an attempt to retain the trio of stars by offering the Dutchman a new deal.

The outlet claims Liverpool made an opening bid to keep the 33-year-old beyond June, but it fell short of expectations and there has been no major breakthrough.

Throughout the opening stages of the campaign, the experienced defender has been a vital part of Arne Slot's side and has proven that he is still capable of performing at the top level.

The report further claims that although talks have not yet progressed, Liverpool are expected to contact Salah's team to begin negotiations on a new deal.

Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, is a boyhood Liverpool fan but has not been offered a contract extension. Since then, he has been increasingly linked with a move to Real Madrid.

For Alexander-Arnold – an emblematic figure at the club, vice-captain and arguably the best right-back in the world – leaving for nothing in the summer would be a debilitating blow to the Reds.

However, The Athletic reports that work is being done to secure his services for the foreseeable future, although there has still been no breakthrough in talks.

The longer the talks go on, the more confidence candidates like Real Madrid will gain, especially if they know they can sign him from January 1.

The club do not want to miss out on their defensive star, but their hand may be forced to try and match both the stature and financial might of Real Madrid if talks with the player stall for much longer.

Alexander-Arnold has been impressive for Liverpool in their title campaign so far this season and wants to enjoy life under Arne Slot.

The Reds currently sit at the top of the table with 34 points after losing just one match, nine points ahead of Arsenal in second place and Chelsea in third.

Salah, meanwhile, previously signed a long-term extension in 2022, at a time when his future was under similar concerns, before penning new lucrative terms.

On Sunday he was linked with a move to Ligue 1 champions PSG as he approaches the point where he is free to negotiate a contract with a foreign club.

Salah shares a relationship with PSG owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi and the club have previously tried to sign him, but are now being encouraged in their efforts by the Liverpool star, as reported by L'Equipe.

The French club – who also admit PSG have denied ties – say Salah is actively participating in discussions and could see himself playing for the Ligue 1 champions next season.

The Saudi Pro League is also another option for Salah, with Al-Ittihad having a £200million bid rejected by the Anfield club last year.