Sources: Van Dijk and 29-yr-old on course to leave Liverpool next year
Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are both on course to leave Liverpool when their contracts come to an end next June, sources have told Football Insider.
Van Dijk, 35, holds legendary status at Anfield and remains at the top of his game in Liverpool's backline.
He has often been partnered by Gomez over the years, who is the Reds' longest-serving player, having joined from Charlton in 2015.
The 29-year-old has dealt with regular injury concerns over the years and could follow his captain out of the club next summer.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Liverpool are making plans to replace both players as it stands, with talks over respective new deals yet to begin.
Van Dijk seems more likely to pen a new deal at some point this season, but neither player is set to remain at Anfield for the next campaign if nothing changes.
Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are each set to leave Liverpool
Gomez has only made five appearances since the start of the season, with his sole start coming in the Carabao Cup.
Van Dijk remains a regular under Andoni Iraola and Liverpool fans are keen to see him extend his stay beyond next summer, but the club may have other plans.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "(Centre-back) is an area the team that the Liverpool recruitment team are looking at long-term because of Virgil van Dijk's contract situation. Joe Gomez is also out of contract next summer as well.
"Liverpool I'm sure will be doing their homework on a number of defensive targets, knowing that Van Dijk is coming to the end sooner rather than later. He's been a great servant."
Real Madrid keen on Van Dijk amid contract uncertainty
The Dutch stalwart is set to surpass 400 Liverpool appearances this season and may feel like his time is up on Merseyside after nine years at the club.
Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Real Madrid hold an interest in signing Van Dijk if he leaves Anfield on a free transfer next summer.
Jose Mourinho believes he could add the extra steel needed to his backline and is keen to coach him, but Van Dijk will likely be inundated with different offers which could also pique his interest.