Liverpool open contract talks but Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold snubbed

Jarell Quansah is reportedly set to sign a new deal with Liverpool (Image: Getty)

Liverpool are reportedly closing in on contract extensions for two defenders, though the futures of Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold remain unclear.

The Reds have enjoyed a strong start to the season so far under Arne Slot, winning six of their opening seven games to head into the second international break of the campaign at the top of the table.

However, despite such positive performances, there remain several contract situations that need to be resolved at Anfield that are preventing the many from truly focusing on on-pitch matters.

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Van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah are all out of contract at the end of the season, and the trio would leave mammoth holes in the Liverpool squad if they are not tied down to new deals.

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However, despite the three significant situations, the Reds appear to be working on other deals at present.

According to The Athletic, Jarrell Quansah is set to pen a new long-term contract on Merseyside to reward his impressive rise through the ranks over the past 12 months. Newcastle made an approach to sign the 21-year-old over the summer but their pursuit was quickly rebuffed, with the Reds more willing to entertain an offer for Joe Gomez instead.

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Liverpool have reportedly opened contract talks with Ibrahima Konate (Image: Getty)

Liverpool are also said to have opened talks with defender Ibrahima Konate over a new contract. The France international’s current deal expires in 2026 but the Reds have held ‘initial talks’ over a longer contract.

Konate has enjoyed a sensational start to the season, though it remains to be seen whether he will be joined by a different new centre-back partner with Van Dijk yet to indicate whether he is willing to extend his contract at the club.

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Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are out of contract at the end of the season (Image: Getty) READ MORE Arne Slot set for Darwin Nunez run-in after 'smart' plan hints at cold shoulder

Contact has been made with the representatives of the Dutch international, as well as Alexander Arnold and Salah’s respective camps, over fresh contracts and those conversations remain ‘open and ongoing’, rather than concrete negotiations at this stage.

The trio will be able to sign a pre-contract with an overseas club from January in what will be a major worry for the Reds given that all three players have countless suitors elsewhere. Real Madrid have shortlisted Alexander-Arnold as their top target in right-back, with Salah being linked with several Saudi Pro League outfits and Paris Saint-Germain in recent weeks.

Liverpool open contract talks but Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold snubbed

Liverpool open contract talks but Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold snubbed

Liverpool open contract talks but Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold snubbed

Liverpool open contract talks but Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold snubbed

Liverpool open contract talks but Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold snubbed