Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has hinted it will be a "big summer" for the club as they look to build on a hugely successful debut season under head coach Arne Slot.

Van Dijk scored a late winner for Liverpool against West Ham United on Sunday to move them 13 points clear of second-place Arsenal at the top of the table.

Slot's side now require a maximum of six points from their final six games to guarantee the club's 20th league title, and Van Dijk is confident the Liverpool hierarchy are willing to dip into the transfer market to further bolster the squad this summer.

"I think Liverpool should be able to challenge for titles in the upcoming years," he said after the game.

Liverpool news and transfers LIVE: Virgil van Dijk expects ‘big summer’, Reds ‘scouting No.9s’	Virgil van Dijk expects Liverpool to have ‘big summer’ in transfer window	Transfer Centre LIVE! Van Dijk expects Liverpool to have ‘big summer’

"Whatever happens in terms of players going out, players coming in, I think it should be a big summer.

I think they're planning to make it a big summer, so we all have to trust the board, as a Liverpool connected fan, to do the right job."

Virgil van Dijk backs Liverpool to keep challenging for the top honours in years to come. Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Van Dijk is set to be out of contract at the end of the season however sources have told ESPN he is expected to commit to a two-year extension at Anfield, after teammate Mohamed Salah penned a new deal until 2027 on Friday.

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"Let's see how this week goes," Van Dijk said when asked for an update on his future.

I know, but I don't know."

Reflecting on what Liverpool means to him, Van Dijk added: "I joined the club in 2017 for many reasons.

Reasons like how much it means to all the Scousers, to all the fans around the whole world to be connected to Liverpool.

Being successful with Liverpool; the culture of the club, everything that embodies Liverpool that is just part of me.

"That's why I'm always proud when I wear that shirt, go out there and try to be the best version of myself in terms of the football player that I am.
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