Liverpool open contract talks with leading performer

Liverpool are reportedly planning contract discussions with Virgil van Dijk following his sublime form for the club over the past 13 months.

The Dutchman joined the club from Southampton for a club-record £75m in January 2017 and he has since lived up to his billing with a number of standout performers.

According to The Express, the Merseyside outfit are keen on extending the contract of the central defender amid concerns that Real Madrid could seek to lure him away from Anfield.

It is added that the club are prepared to reward him with a bumper wage package of around £200,000-a-week which would put him level with Mohamed Salah, who is currently their highest earner.

Van Dijk, who is currently on £125,000 a week package, has helped the Reds keep 17 clean sheets during the course of the league campaign. This sees the club within one point off Manchester City at the top of the standings.