Real Madrid are plotting to swoop for Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk, according to reliable journalist Nicolo Schira.
The 6’4″ ace [Whoscored] is an integral part of Jurgen Klopp’s side, to the extent that Schira also claims the Reds are looking to renew his current contract until 2025.
But they could face interest from the La Liga giants, although it is understood that Van Dijk has no intention of leaving Anfield.
Writing on his personal Twitter account, Schira said: “Liverpool want to close Virgil Van Dijk’s renew until 2025.
“Reds are in talks with his agent and have offered a new wages of €12.5m [£11.2m] a year plus bonuses.
“Real Madrid is interested in him, but Van Dijk is not considering to leave.”
#Liverpool want to close Virgil #VanDijk's renew until 2025. Reds are in talks with his agent and have offered a new wages of €12,5M a year plus bonuses. #RealMadrid is interested in him, but Van Dijk is not considering to leave. #transfers #LFC
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) September 9, 2019
OPINION
Ordinarily, when Real Madrid come sniffing for your best player, it’s time to batten down the hatches and pray for the best. The La Liga giants are used to getting their own way, one way or another, and if they mark a man for a raid, they tend to get him in the end – just ask Chelsea after they lost Eden Hazard this summer. But in this case, things feel different. For one thing, Van Dijk seems entirely settled on Merseyside. He has started this season in much the same vein that he finished the last, recording a massive 4.8 clearances, as well as 1.8 interceptions, and being dribbled past just 0.5 times per match, as per Whoscored. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, would Real Madrid even be considered a step up anymore? The Reds are champions of Europe, will be pushing all the way to be champions of England this season, and have a history just as illustrious as Real’s. For the first time in a long time, there is nothing Madrid can use to tempt their target away.
