Bayern Munich has contacted Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk’s agency to begin preliminary negotiations about a potential free move.
That is according to former Manchester United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the German giants have emerged as “serious contenders” for the 33-year-old, which comes as a shock to the Anfield faithful.
However, Van Dijk will make the final decision on whether he wants to continue competing in the Premier League with Liverpool.
This comes after Football Insider revealed in February that Liverpool and Van Dijk have made little progress towards agreeing a new deal despite the Reds’ desire to reach an agreement.
As things stand, he will be eligible to leave Anfield for free in June, and overseas clubs have been able to contact with his representation about a pre-contract agreement since January.
Bayern, meantime, are trying to enhance their team in order to win the Bundesliga and the Champions League, with Van Dijk being a top target due to his availability.
Bayern Munich joins Real Madrid in the race to recruit Virgil van Dijk.
Brown has informed Football Insider that Real Madrid is closely monitoring Van Dijk’s contract issue as they consider a move for his signing.
Now, the former scout, who has over a decade of expertise in top-level player recruitment after working at Manchester United during their most successful period, has revealed that the defender will have to make the final decision on his future.
“Bayern Munich have emerged as serious contenders for Van Dijk,” he informed Football Insider.
“They’re communicating with his agency to see if he’d be interested in the move.
“Ultimately, I believe money talks.
“They’ll look at Harry Kane’s performance since leaving the Premier League.
“In comparison to the Premier League, it would be a reasonably easy decision for him to make.
“He could go there, free of the pressure of playing for Liverpool and in the Premier League, and just enjoy his game.
“But there’s no doubt that leaving Liverpool and the Premier League is a step down.
“It will be up to him to decide whether he makes that move away or stays and competes with Liverpool because no decision has been made yet.”
Liverpool eye deals for Marc Guehi and Dean Huijsen
As speculation about Van Dijk’s future continues to grow, Liverpool have turned their attention to recruiting a new centre-back in the summer window.
On 13 March, Brown told Football Insider that Liverpool is considering Marc Guehi and Dean Huijsen as their top primary candidates for the position.
Guehi’s experience at Crystal Palace, where he is the club captain, and in England have made him a target, and he is set to move this summer.
Huijsen, meantime, has had a fantastic debut season with Bournemouth and has a £55 million release clause in his contract, which has piqued the curiosity of several clubs.
