Liverpool have reportedly made extending Virgil van Dijk's current deal their top priority, even though both Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also set to be out of contract soon.
The Reds find themselves in a precarious situation, as they could potentially lose three superstars at the end of this season, resulting in a loss of over 900 games of experience.
With the trio now in the final 12 months of their existing contracts at Anfield, they will be free to speak with clubs abroad in January.
There have been widespread reports suggesting that Saudi teams are pursuing the Egyptian attacker, while Real Madrid are showing interest in the England right-back.
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Liverpool prioritise Van Dijk contract extension
While there have been fewer reports regarding interest in Van Dijk, Liverpool seem to be demonstrating his importance to the team, with Football Insider indicating that extending his deal is their main priority.
The Dutchman is still a constant presence in Liverpool's backline, and the report adds that he is not actively looking for a move away, and is keen to remain at Anfield for the foreseeable future.
It is understood that the 33-year-old is pleased with what he has observed from Arne Slot since he took over the team after Jurgen Klopp's departure, and wants to help the club compete for silverware.
Slot has remained calm about the potential loss of his star trio, recently commenting in an interview: "For me, it is not something I am wondering about. If after the last game of this season is played then it might bother me to think are they here or not?"
Van Dijk has been with the Reds since joining from Southampton in 2018, making 279 appearances and scoring 24 goals during his time on Merseyside.
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Reds eyeing defensive reinforcements
While Liverpool may be working to extend Van Dijk's deal at Anfield, it is understood that they are also looking to secure a possible long-term replacement for their club captain, who will turn 34 next year.
The same report claims that the Reds are considering Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi as a potential target, while Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck is also on their radar.
Guehi was heavily linked with a move to Newcastle United during the summer window and remains one of the Magpies' top targets.
Schlotterbeck, on the other hand, has been in impressive form for BVB and Germany, and Liverpool are rumoured to be willing to table an offer of around £42m for his signature.
Devesh Jaganath
