Inter Milan's interest in Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has reportedly cooled, and the Italian champions will not sign the defender for free at the the end of the season.
The Reds put in a statement performance when they beat West Ham United 5-0 on Sunday in the Premier League, extending their lead at the top of the table to eight points.
Arne Slot's side also picked up their seventh clean sheet in 18 matches, the joint most in the top flight alongside Nottingham Forest.
However, Mohamed Salah commented after the match that an agreement to extend his contract was far from being reached, while there has been constant speculation that Trent Alexander-Arnold will join Real Madrid in the summer, somewhat deflating the good mood amongst fans.
In positive news for Reds supporters, Inter Live report that Inter Milan will not look to sign Van Dijk due to his wage demands, reducing the number of potential suitors that could take the centre-back away from Anfield.
© Imago
Can Liverpool afford to lose Virgil van Dijk?
Sporting director Richard Hughes undoubtedly inherited a difficult situation when he joined the Merseysiders considering three of Liverpool's biggest stars had just one year left on their contracts.
Losing any of their three players would be a monumental blow, but losing Van Dijk could arguably be the biggest loss of the trio.
Salah's incredible form this campaign is unprecedented, but Slot does at least have the luxury of being able to call upon the likes of Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz, who have both been productive in front of goal.
Van Dijk has already played with Jarell Quansah, Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate in the backline this season, but the Reds have looked imperious defensively regardless of who has played alongside the Dutchman.
The 33-year-old might be in the latter stages of his footballing career, but he has proven that he is still just as effective at marshalling a defensive line.
© Imago
Why renewing Salah, Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold is difficult
While Van Dijk has shown that he is more than able to compete physically, and still possesses immense speed, a lengthy contract extension for the captain could be risky.
Indeed, the Dutchman will be 34 by the time 2024-25 starts, and having the centre-back on enormous wages in his mid-thirties could negatively impact Liverpool's strength in the transfer market.
The same argument can be said of Salah, and though Trent's extension should logically be more straightforward considering he is a boyhood Liverpool fan, the lure of Real Madrid is difficult to fend off.
Additionally, the Reds' hierarchy could risk souring relationships with the stars should they offer considerably better terms to one of the trio.
If Liverpool manage to tie Van Dijk to a new deal, then the club will be in a strong position to continue competing for the biggest honours.
Lewis Nolan
