Liverpool latest: Virgil van Dijk contract plea made as Reds star gets second chance

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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been delivered a contract message as Andoni Iraola welcomes some of his players back ahead of the new seasonLiverpool manager Andoni Iraola will be aiming to mould his new squad with pre-season training commencing next week. All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook pageToday's developments see one of those figures, club captain Virgil van Dijk, at the heart of a contract appeal.

The Reds captain penned a two-year contract in 2025, but Barnes reckons the club need to keep hold of their experienced players, having lost Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson this summer."I'd like to see Virgil's contract being extended because for Andoni Iraola, he'll need his senior players," Barnes told Betfred. "Those that have been around the block and know the club... so I think it's important that we keep a hold of Virgil next season."Barnes' plea comes amid speculation linking Van Dijk with a departure from Anfield this summer.

Speaking during his opening interview as the club's new head coach, Iraola suggested that players like Elliott would be afforded the chance to stake their claim."We've analysed Liverpool a lot – possible weaknesses, the strengths," Iraola said. For me, you are all new signings and I think we have a lot of quality in our squad, and [I'm] really looking forward to working with them."With the Reds requiring reinforcements across their forward line, Elliott, who is capable of operating on the right of midfield and in support of the strikers, could prove a shrewd piece of business - should the Reds opt to keep hold of him this summer.Buy Blood Red, our monthly Liverpool FC print publication for just £3.50 by clicking here