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Liverpool players are growing frustrated that Virgil van Dijk is yet to be tied down to a new deal at Anfield, Rousing The Kop can exclusively reveal.
Van Dijk and Liverpool are understood to have been close to an agreement as far back as August, but an extension is still yet to be signed.
And while the Liverpool captain has not let the situation affect his performances personally, RTK understands that his teammates are starting to become concerned.
‘Disquiet’ and ‘murmurings’ are the words being used to described the feeling from within the Reds’ dressing room at the prospect of losing Van Dijk at the end of the season.
Liverpool players are not actively upset with Arne Slot and understand that the issue is not of the head coach’s creation. But a natural frustration nevertheless remains.
Liverpool squad share Virgil van Dijk concern
Van Dijk has been an ever present figure for Liverpool during their Premier League title push this season.
The centre-back has started and finished every single one of the Reds 26 matches so far. He is yet to miss a minute.
On top of that, as captain, Van Dijk is hugely respected amongst the Liverpool squad who recognise his importance to the team.
As a result, the prospect of losing the Dutchman is understood to have begun to cause an impact on the playing staff at Anfield.
For his part, RTK understands that Van Dijk has an offer on the table from Liverpool. However, the terms have so far been deemed unacceptable to the 33-year-old.
Despite the impasse, it is understood that Van Dijk will not hand an ultimatum to Liverpool.
Other clubs remain interested and the defender is legally allowed to speak to them as he enters the final months of his deal. But while he would not struggle to land a contract elsewhere, the door is far from closed at Anfield.
Luis Diaz pushing for new contract
As well as the situation with Van Dijk, RTK understands that Luis Diaz’s new contract is starting to reach a head at Anfield.
Diaz and his camp are understood to be pushing for the 28-year-old’s new deal to be sorted as a matter of priority.
However, while Liverpool are still embroiled in discussions with Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, they will not be rushed into finalising terms.
Diaz, along with Curtis Jones and Ibrahima Konate, is expected to be offered a new deal by the Reds. But delays over Van Dijk, Salah and Alexander-Arnold have pushed the process back.
Barcelona are understood to hold an interest in Diaz, but the Colombian is not thought to be at the top of their transfer wish list.
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