Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk, who is also a defensive leader, will leave Anfield if a new deal cannot be signed with Liverpool. The player is likely to want to remain at the club, but the point of contention depends on whether terms can be agreed.
Even before the final year of his contract, the Merseyside club have been on the lookout for a replacement for the 33-year-old centre-back. He has been linked with a huge variety of defenders, including Sporting defender Goncalo Inácio.
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have also listed 21-year-old defender Murillo, who plays for Nottingham Forest, and could be in contention with fellow Premier League side Chelsea in the transfer market next year.
The 22-year-old Brazilian centre-back came to England from Corinthians last summer and quickly adapted to his first English league. He has been an absolute regular this season and has started since the opening game of the season against Bournemouth.
He has good technique with his feet and possesses a high level of ability required of a modern defender. He has no experience with the Brazilian national team, but it would not be surprising if he is called up in the near future.
Although the player’s name was mentioned before the summer transfer window opened, it would not have been easy to let him go after his first season in the club, and he remained at Nottingham despite an offer from a London club.
It is not known whether Liverpool are serious about him, but it is true that he is a popular name.
Will Murillo really make the step up next year…?