'Real Madrid keep coming up in Virgil van Dijk conversations' after confession

Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Virgil van Dijk's contract situation at Liverpool as they eye a potential swoop to sign him on a free transfer.

That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game as he exclusively told Football Insider that the Spanish giants are assessing whether to make the move.

Football Insider revealed in December that Van Dijk is likely to sign a new contract at Anfield amid confidence that he would commit his future after months of uncertainty.

However, after the win against Ipswich when the 33-year-old confessed: "I have no idea [how many more appearances I'll make]. How many left this season? Hopefully those are guaranteed and then I don't know what the future will bring."

Liverpool's 4-1 win was Van Dijk's 300th appearance for the club, but with just six months remaining on his contract, he is able to discuss terms over a pre-contract exit in the summer.

While there has been no formal interest in his signature as things stand, Real Madrid are said to be interested in a potential free transfer as a result of their defensive issues.

Real Madrid plot Virgil van Dijk swoop after Liverpool contract claim

Brown previously told Football Insider that, while no deal has been agreed yet, Liverpool remain determined to tie Van Dijk down to a new contract.

However, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, revealed that Los Blancos would like to sign both Van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

"I'm surprised Liverpool haven't made progress towards a new contract," he told Football Insider.

"He's one of the best centre-halves in the world.

"There is the looming figure of Real Madrid, which keeps coming up in these conversations.

"Their centre-backs have struggled with injuries this season, they've been short of options and a few of them are coming towards the end of their time there.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Real Madrid went in for Van Dijk on a free.

"They've been linked with Trent Alexander-Arnold, and they've been keeping tabs on Van Dijk too.

"If Alexander-Arnold decides to go there on a free, which he's entitled to do, I could see Van Dijk making that move too.

"The supporters wouldn't be happy, but I can see that being a major target for Madrid.

"When players like that become available on a free, Real Madrid are usually one of the first teams to come forward, and they could do so again here."

In other news, new update emerges on Liverpool's interest in Joao Gomes.

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