Transfer Talk: Stalemate looms as Van Dijk requests 3-year deal

The transfer window might be shut across Europe’s top five leagues, but the rumour mill keeps on turning! Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!

TOP STORY: Van Dijk to stay a Red until he’s 36?

Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk has asked for a three-year contract extension, according to Nicolo Schira.

The Premier League club are reported to be preparing to open talks with the Netherlands international, who is in the final year of his deal, but an opening gambit of requesting an extension to 2027 is sure to raise eyebrows at Anfield.

Van Dijk, 33, is among three key first-team stars who have entered the final 12 months of their deals, with the futures of winger Mohamed Salah and defender Trent Alexander-Arnold also up in the air. It leaves Arne Slot’s side in a precarious situation, with all three free to open negotiations with clubs based outside of the United Kingdom as of Jan. 1.

Van Dijk played 90 minutes Saturday as Liverpool secured a 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, in what was his 277th appearance for the club since joining from Southampton in 2017.

PAPER GOSSIP

– Nottingham Forest are bracing for life without centre-back Murillo, reports Football Insider. The Premier League club are said to be willing to accept a “huge offer” for the 22-year-old, who has previously been linked with both Real Madrid and Barcelona. Murillo has recently built a strong partnership with Forest’s Nikola Milenkovic, with a number of impressive performances in the new campaign.

– Talks are set to take place between AC Milan and the representatives of left-back Theo Hernández, reports Calciomercato. The Rossoneri are reported to see the 26-year-old as one of their leading stars in the dressing room, and they are keen to ensure he is handed an extension before he enters the final year of his deal. Hernandez’s current contract is set to expire in the summer of 2026.

– Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin could leave Goodison Park on a free transfer, reports Football Insider. It is believed that the 27-year-old is open to signing a pre-contract agreement, and that multiple rival clubs in the Premier League are keeping close tabs on his situation. The 27-year-old has scored two goals in six games this season and played 90 minutes as the Toffees got their first victory of the campaign with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.

– Parma are working to sign defender Woyo Coulibaly to a new deal, reports Nicolo Schira. The Serie A club are said to have made a proposal that would secure his future until the summer of 2027, with an option clause that allows them to extend his stay by an additional year. The 25-year-old has made five league appearances this season.

– Olympiacos failed with an attempt to sign free agent attacking midfielder Adam Ounas, according to Fabrizio Romano. Ounas, 27, has been without a club since his contract with Lille expired in the summer, and it is reported that negotiations with the Greek Super League side broke down after they completed a move for Turkey international Yusuf Yazici instead.