Real Madrid 'keeping an eye on Virgil van Dijk's situation at Liverpool'

Real Madrid are reportedly keeping a close eye on Virgil van Dijk's situation at Liverpool, with the Netherlands international potentially following Jurgen Klopp out the door at Anfield.

Klopp revealed last week that he would be standing down as Liverpool head coach this summer, and comments from Van Dijk in the aftermath of the shock announcement suggested that the Netherlands international was considering his own future at the club.

Van Dijk has since insisted that his words were "taken out of context", with the centre-back remaining fully committed to Liverpool.

However, the 32-year-old's contract at Anfield is due to expire in the summer of 2025, and according to Defensa Central, the situation is being closely monitored by Real Madrid.

The report claims that Los Blancos head coach Carlo Ancelotti is happy with his centre-back options, but the club have been alerted to the potential availability of Van Dijk.

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The Dutchman started his professional career at Groningen before moving to Celtic in 2013, making 115 appearances for the Scottish giants ahead of a switch to Southampton.

Van Dijk featured 80 times for the Saints before making the move to Liverpool in January 2018, and he has established himself as one of the leading centre-backs in world football in recent years.

The defender has made 247 appearances for the Reds, scoring 21 goals and registering 14 assists in the process, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup and Community Shield during his time at the club.

Van Dijk has again been in strong form this season, scoring twice and registering two assists in 25 appearances in all competitions, with Liverpool chasing a quadruple.

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Liverpool beat Chelsea 4-1 in the Premier League on Wednesday to move five points clear of the reigning champions Manchester City at the top of the table.

Meanwhile, Klopp's side are in the final of the EFL Cup, with Chelsea their opponents at the end of this month, while they will meet Watford or Southampton in the fifth round of the FA Cup, in addition to being active in the knockout round of the Europa League.

Antonio Rudiger and Nacho are currently Real Madrid's centre-back options, with both Eder Militao and David Alaba on the sidelines with long-term knee injuries.

Alaba will not be available again until next season, but Militao, who suffered his ACL injury in August, is on course to play a part for Real Madrid this term.

Nacho has again been an important squad player for Los Blancos this term, making 24 appearances in all competitions, but his contract at Bernabeu is due to expire at the end of June.