AC Milan is reportedly monitoring the contract situation of Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk as the player approaches the end of his current tenure at Anfield.
According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian club has maintained a long-standing interest in the Netherlands international.
Milan owner Gerry Cardinale and senior advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic are identified as admirers of the defender, per reports from the same outlet.
Any potential move remains contingent on the defender arriving on a free transfer, as the Italian club is only prepared to facilitate a deal without an initial fee.
The player addressed his uncertain future following a recent Premier League match against Crystal Palace, as noted by Goal.
Van Dijk stated, “Let’s see what the season brings. I’ve had an amazing time already so far. If that will be extended, that’s the case. If not, then I will go somewhere else,” according to the report.
While Milan provides an opportunity to compete at the highest level of European football, the club faces competition from teams in Saudi Arabia and Turkey, including Fenerbahce and Galatasaray.
Liverpool is reportedly adopting a cautious approach to negotiations with senior players to avoid past salary complications.
The club is also planning for a future defensive transition, as reported by Goal.
Liverpool holds a buy option in a loan deal for defender Ronald Araujo and is nurturing young talents such as Giovanni Leoni.
The connection between the clubs is reinforced by RedBird Capital Partners, which holds a minority stake in Liverpool’s parent company, Fenway Sports Group.
On the pitch, AC Milan currently sits fourth in Serie A and is preparing for upcoming domestic and European fixtures.
The team is scheduled to host Frosinone on November 22 before traveling to face Olympiacos in the Europa League on November 26, according to details provided in the source material.