Virgil van Dijk to join Harry Kane? Bayern Munich's stance on free transfer for Liverpool captain revealed after Dutchman promised contract update before end of the season

Amid uncertainty over his future at Liverpool, Van Dijk has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich. However, Sky Sport Germany reports that there is no substance to these rumours. The 33-year-old, whose contract with Liverpool expires this summer, is not currently under consideration by the Bundesliga giants, with no talks or negotiations having taken place recently.

The report further adds that the Reds are trying to persuade Van Dijk to extend his stay at Anfield, with the club optimistic that their captain will not leave this summer. However, last week, the Dutch centre-back admitted he wasn't sure where his future lies.

He said: "As long as I am calm to you guys then there is no need to panic, whatever may happen in the future. If I was worried you would see me playing a little bit worried and that is not the case.

"Maybe I will run this fully down and then if there is still no news, I don't know. I don't know at this stage (what will happen). But I don't want to create any anxiety or anything like that, I just keep my head down and focus on hopefully winning the next 10 games.

"That is my full focus: to be there for the manager, the players, the fans. So let's see what it brings and I am sure by the end of the season there will be news. But what kind of news I am not sure."

According to BILD reporter Christian Falk, Liverpool have already lined up a three-man shortlist to replace Van Dijk, should the Dutchman leave this summer. Per the report, Liverpool are keeping tabs on Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck, Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi and Wolfsburg's Konstantinos Koulierakis.

Liverpool's season has turned from terrific to terrible in the matter of a week. Last week, they were knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League round of 16, losing to Luis Enrique's side on penalties at Anfield in the second leg. On Sunday, they crumbled to a 2-1 loss against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.

They are currently 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League table with just nine games to go. Their next game is a Merseyside derby against Everton on April 2. However, Van Dijk admitted that every game from here on would be a test, and that he knows a considerable lead shouldn't be taken for granted.