Liverpool are making plans for life without captain Virgil van Dijk.
The Dutch defender is in the final year of his contract with the club and his long-term future at Anfield remains uncertain.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, the Reds have already offered the player a new contract but no final decision has been made on his future.
Along with Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold face questions over their futures after entering the final year of their contracts at the club.
Liverpool have identified potential replacements for Van Dijk should the defender reject a new deal at Anfield.
According to Group discussionLiverpool could target a move for Marc Guehi, Gleison Bremer, Goncalo Inacio or Loic Bade.
All of the centre-backs have impressed for Liverpool and the Premier League leaders could be in the market to sign one of them if Van Dijk does not sign a new contract with the club.
Guehi was one of the best players for England at Euro 2024 and his brilliant performances almost earned him a move to Newcastle United in the summer.
According to Sky SportsCrystal Palace rejected a £65m bid from Newcastle for the England defender, suggesting the Reds will have to dig deep into their pockets if they want to sign him.
Brazil international Bremer has impressed some of the biggest clubs in the world after his outstanding performances with Juventus. His current contract with the Italian club expires in 2029, which would make it difficult for the Reds to sign him.
Inacio was part of Ruben Amorim’s title-winning Sporting side and his name has been linked with Liverpool and Manchester United in the past.
Likewise, Bade is a star player for Sevilla and has caught the eye of Arne Slot’s side.
Liverpool must do everything in their power to keep Virgil van Dijk
It remains to be seen what will happen with Van Dijk’s contract. Ideally, Liverpool would like him to stay at the club as he has shown that he is still one of the best players in the world in his position.
His leadership at the back is crucial for the Reds and his presence in defense gives them a composure and stability that no other defender could provide.
The club are confident of keeping the defender at Anfield and will have to do whatever it takes to keep the Dutch defender as he is crucial to their chances of winning silverware.
Nottingham Forest star Murillo is another player linked with a move to Liverpool to replace Van Dijk.
