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Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have been Liverpool's best performers this season(Image: 2024 AMA Sports Photo Agency)

Arne Slot has been told he lacks the "power" to secure Virgil van Dijk's future at Liverpool, with the club's skipper being hailed as a "big priority." The respected defender is among three star players, including Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contracts are set to expire this season.

However, their formidable presence has seen Liverpool dominate the Premier League, perching 13 points clear at the summit, albeit having played one more match than nearest rivals Arsenal.

Slot, who holds Van Dijk in high esteem, once again expressed his admiration for the 33-year-old, acknowledging he's never coached a defender that possesses talent like his captain.

But ex-Liverpool defender Stephane Henchoz has bluntly informed Slot that he has no influence over the Dutchman’s decision to stay or depart from Anfield.

In conversation with BoyleSports, offering the latest on Cheltenham betting odds, Henchoz said: "I'm certain that Arne Slot is desperate to keep Virgil van Dijk, but I don't think he has the power to offer the money and length of contract that Van Dijk is looking for.

"It all comes down to the finances of the club, but if Liverpool are to lose Van Dijk then it would be a massive, massive loss.

He is so important on the pitch as a player but also with his leadership and his personality, when people aren't doing their jobs he is letting them know."

The former Swiss international issued a stark warning to his former side, cautioning that should Van Dijk leave after seven years, the Reds will struggle to find a replacement.

It's probably his last big contract and he will want to negotiate it well, but we know that the club will have their own limits on spending.

But it should be a big priority."

Arne Slot thinks highly of Virgil van Dijk (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Van Dijk himself has chosen to concentrate on Liverpool's immediate future rather than his contract talks.
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