Liverpool plan for life AFTER Van Dijk! Reds eyeing trio of centre-backs in case Dutchman leaves on a free this summer

Liverpool are looking at centre-backs this summer and their search includes three players in particular, according to BILD reporter Christian Falk. Dortmund star Nico Schlotterbeck is described as one defender who could be 'van Dijk's successor', along with Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi. Greek international Konstantinos Koulierakis, currently of Wolfsburg, is the third 'cheaper' option being considered, with BILD valuing him at €15 million (£13m/$16m.)

Although Liverpool are looking to sign a defender this summer, the scale of their investment could come down to whether a new deal can be agreed with Van Dijk. Much could also depend on the future of Ibrahima Konate, who is entering the final year of his contract and is wanted by Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.

Van Dijk opened up over his future this week, admitting he was unsure whether he would stay at Liverpool. This followed his quotes after Liverpool's Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain where he revealed he had 'no idea' what his plans were beyond this season.

“If there is news, guys, you will know it. I don’t even know myself. Everyone knows there are some conversations behind the scenes but that is about it. At the moment, I don’t even know what will happen next year. If anyone says they do know, they are lying to your face," Van Dijk said. “I have no idea,” he said. “I still have no idea at the moment. Genuinely. I have no idea at the moment.”

Liverpool will be determined not to let their captain's future take precedent in a weekend where they face Newcastle at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday in Arne Slot's first chance at silverware as manager of the club. The Reds will then look to close out their Premier League title challenge before addressing the contractual situations of their star players, with Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold also having their deals expire in the summer.