Virgil van Dijk 'wants to stay' at Liverpool amid Arne Slot reveal
Virgil van Dijk is keen on extending his current contract with Liverpool amid growing speculation over his long-term future at the club.
This is according to former Man United chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that he has heard talks are set to take place between both parties to discuss a new deal.
The 33-year-old's current contract is set to expire at the end of the season, with no update on how talks have progressed despite both parties' interest in renewing his terms.
However, Brown has explained that much of the speculation surrounding his future has been down to his agent rather than the player himself.
It is said the agent will wait to see what interest develops before committing to any deal, which could yet see the saga drag on.
Van Dijk is said to be happy playing under Arne Slot after their impressive start to the season in which they have won six of their opening seven league games.
Brown previously told Football Insider on 10 October that Liverpool are "desperate" to agree to a new deal for the centre-back and will "bend over backwards" to get it over the line.
Virgil van Dijk contract update emerges amid Liverpool speculation
Football Insider also revealed on 6 September that the Dutchman will have the final say over his long-term future, with the club keen to extend his deal.
Now, Brown, who has a wealth of experience dealing with players, managers and agents at the top level including over a decade at Man United where he worked closely with Sir Alex Ferguson, has insisted the defender will be keen on staying despite the speculation.
"I've heard he wants to stay and he's happy there under Slot," he told Football Insider.
"The agents put out all these stories to see what sort of interest there is or what he hears.
"Managers often go berserk when they read about it, asking where it all came from, and most of the time it has nothing to do with the player.
"But at the end of the day, it's up to the player to say he doesn't want the move.
"He'll tell his agent to get him another contract at Liverpool, but the agent always wants to see what their options are before they commit to anything.
"Eventually though, they'll sit down and speak to the club and I expect they'll reach an agreement.
"I've been told that's what's happening with Van Dijk. I'd be surprised if he left."
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