While Liverpool fans hope Virgil van Dijk remains beyond the summer, at 33, the club needs to start thinking about a long-term successor for the Dutchman. Murphy has suggested a current Premier League captain.

“ Virgil van Dijk made me feel really welcome,” Van den Berg said. “I remember, on my first day, he said to the kit man, ‘make sure his place in the dressing room is next to mine’, and it was those small things that made me feel more at home.

Reports from Van Dijk's native Netherlands suggest Liverpool are willing to 'break to bank' and tie the defender down to a new deal. It's claimed by De Telegraaf that a deal is believed to be imminent for Van Dijk, who joined Liverpool in January 2018.

According to a report, Virgil van Dijk is 'close to renewing his contract' at Liverpool. READ MORE: Liverpool Open To Accepting Transfer For Out Of Form Striker

Virgil van Dijk is one of three Liverpool stars who are currently free to negotiate with foreign clubs over a free transfer.

Three of the most important players in Liverpool's Premier League and Champions League victories several years ago may not be at Anfield next season.

The Reds have reportedly opened talks with the man they believe could replace Trent Alexander-Arnold. Alexander-Arnold, who is the current vice-captain at Anfield, is one of the three stars – alongside Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah – out of contract at Liverpool this summer.