Van Dijk could now extend Liverpool deal after winning over Andoni Iraola
Liverpool are open to extending Virgil van Dijk's contract if he continues his impressive performanes, sources have told Football Insider.
The 35-year-old has played the full 90 minutes in each of Liverpool's five Premier League games so far this season, as well as in their Champions League win against Atletico Madrid.
Andoni Iraola still views him as a crucial part of his first-team plans for the season, and despite his contract being set to expire next summer, there are no immediate concerns.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Liverpool have not ruled out handing Van Dijk a new contract if he continues on his current form.
That is despite renewed interest from Real Madrid, who could look to take advantage of the centre-back's situation to lure him away from Anfield when his current deal expires.
Liverpool have delayed making a decision about Van Dijk's future for now, but the high-profile interest from elsewhere and his impressive displays could now force their hand.
When will Liverpool hold Virgil van Dijk contract talks?
Football Insider revealed on 11 September that Liverpool are not planning to hold contract talks with Van Dijk until closer to the end of the season.
Amid concerns about his age and whether his performances could drop off in the near future, they will delay any decision and leave the door open for him to earn a new deal.
Those delays will allow the Reds to make a better-informed decision about Van Dijk's future at the club, but there is still a chance he renews despite the interest from elsewhere.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "A lot depends on what happens with Van Dijk's contract situation.
"He still has a role to play for Liverpool. He's still playing every week and he is the club captain as well, so I think Van Dijk is probably the master of his own destiny here.
"If he continues to perform well for Liverpool there's every chance that he could get a new deal and they could look to keep him at the club.
"There is still a long way to go on this one. I think if he continues to perform at a high level, then Liverpool will want to sit down and discuss his plans going forward.
"But as I said, he's the master of his own destiny, and the fact that he will be a free agent in the summer if there's no new deal on the tail from Liverpool means he can probably have his pick of where he wants to continue his career."
Could Real Madrid tempt Van Dijk to move on?
Whether or not Liverpool decide to offer Van Dijk a new contract, the final decision will ultimately rest with the player and whether he is keen to remain at Anfield.
A number of clubs across world football are keeping a close eye on his situation, including top European clubs, some in the MLS and also in the Saudi Pro League.
Football Insider revealed on 3 October that Real Madrid have set their sights on a deal for Van Dijk in case he does not put pen to paper on a renewed contract.
Los Blancos have been long-term admirers of the centre-back and have long plotted to bring him to the Bernabeu, with his potential availability placing them on high alert.
Given his performances at Anfield this season, there is a belief that he would still improve Jose Mourinho's side, and they could look to lure him away from Liverpool at last.