Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk says there has been progress in talks over extending his contract at the club.

The 33-year-old Dutch international, who has made 313 first team appearances since joining from Southampton in 2017, is out of contract at the end of the season and could leave on a free transfer at the end of June.

Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk (L) speaks with head coach Arne Slot during the English Football League Cup Final match between Liverpool FC and Newcastle United FC in London, Britain, on March 16, 2025. (Xinhua)

In March, the defender said he had "no idea" if he would still be at Liverpool next season, but in his remarks made on Sunday after Liverpool's 3-2 defeat to Fulham and published in the UK sports press on Monday, he seemed to be more optimistic about staying.

"There is progress, yes," said Van Dijk when asked about his future, adding, "I don't know, we'll see."

"These are internal discussions and we'll see. I love the club, I love the fans and they were there for us again," he commented.

Trent Alexander Arnold and Mohamed Salah are other vital players who could leave Anfield at the end of June and while Liverpool is still hopeful of convincing the forward to stay, Alexander Arnold looks set to join Real Madrid.