Liverpool's opening contract offer to defender Virgil van Dijk will reportedly be turned down, while Bayer Leverkusen are looking to ward off interest from Manchester United in striker Victor Boniface.

Liverpool have made a contract offer to Virgil van Dijk as they attempt to end uncertainty over his future by tying the Netherlands defender to a new agreement. Van Dijk is among three crucial players — alongside Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold — whose existing terms are scheduled to expire in the summer.

Liverpool have a four-man shortlist drawn up in case Virgil van Dijk leaves this summer, according to reports. Van Dijk, 33, is in the final year of his current Liverpool contract, with Mo Salah ’s and Trent Alexander-Arnold ’s futures also still hanging in the balance.