Virgil van Dijk’s latest contract update will have come as music to the ears of many a Liverpool fan - one of his former teammates, though, has already explained why “progress” might not be the positive it appears to be.

Van Dijk’s future has been a big concern for the Reds throughout the season.

These are internal discussions and we’ll see.”

Compared to the silence that Alexander-Arnold has been employing, those comments will be seen as a positive sign from a lot of supporters - although they perhaps shouldn’t get too far ahead of themselves.

Report: Liverpool name their price for Luis Diaz amid lack of progress in contract talks	Dean Huijsen has already discussed playing for Liverpool and Virgil van Dijk “aura”	After Van Dijk: Richard Hughes already in talks with Liverpool trio over possible new contracts

This isn’t the first time Liverpool has been locked in discussions over a new deal for a modern club legend.

Just two years ago, Roberto Firmino felt he was on course for a new contract, but we all know how that particular saga ended.

Writing in his autobiography 'Si Senor' about the discussions, Firmino said: "In August 2022, while still on pre-season, Liverpool told my representatives that they wanted me to stay as well.

Virgil van Dijk has said he and Liverpool have made "progress" on talks over a new contract.

"My representatives were talking with the club about the contract renewal and disagreements were starting to arise," he continued, revealing that both parties were at odds when they eventually did engage in contract discussions.

Roberto Firmino left Liverpool after being unable to agree to a new contract with the club