'I understand' - What Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk has told Ronald Koeman about his future

Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk is approaching the end of his current contract at Anfield with talks still not having resolved his future

Holland national team boss Ronald Koeman has claimed Virgil van Dijk expects to be playing at the highest level next season regardless of whether or not he leaves Liverpool. Van Dijk is out of contract in three months and, with talks over a new deal having yet to reach a resolution, is at present set to exit Anfield in the summer on a free transfer despite having made clear he wants to extend a stay that began in January 2018.

Reports earlier this year indicated the ambitious Saudi Pro League were preparing a major offer to lure the Liverpool skipper to the Middle East.

But Koeman believes Van Dijk will be playing for a leading European team next term even if he departs the Reds.

“Whether he signs with Liverpool or another big club, that’s all good for me," said the Dutch boss, speaking on Monday.

"We’ll see what happens, and what I understand from Virgil is that he is still looking for the level he is at now.”

Van Dijk is currently with the Holland squad preparing for their two-legged UEFA Nations League quarter-final against Spain, which takes place on Thursday and Sunday.

As things stand, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold will also become free agents once their deals expire in the summer. Salah has stated his desire to stay with Alexander-Arnold is pondering an offer from European Super League advocates Real Madrid.