Chelsea eyed shock move for Virgil van Dijk prior to Liverpool contract extension with Blues' 'feeling' over unlikely deal revealed

Van Dijk put all rumours to rest by signing a new two-year Liverpool contract on Thursday. The Dutch defender was out of contract this summer, but now he has come to an agreement with the Reds by extending his stay at Anfield until 2027. The news came as a huge boost for Premier League giants, who had earlier convinced Mohamed Salah to sign a new deal.

The Daily Mail reports that before Van Dijk put pen to paper on a new deal, Chelsea had reportedly shown interest in signing the player as a free agent in the summer, however, the Blues later felt that the 33-year-old would commit his future to the Merseyside club. The Netherlands international was also linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain after he was spotted chatting with sporting director Luis Campos after their Champions League round of 16 clash at Anfield.

Per The Athletic, Van Dijk's salary under the terms of the new deal will be in the region of £400,000 per week, allowing him to maintain his status as Europe's best-paid defender.

Arne Slot's side will be back in action in the Premier League this Sunday as they take on Leicester City away from home. If they beat the Foxes and Arsenal lose against Ipswich earlier that day, the Reds will be crowned champions of England for the record-equalling 20th time.