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.

Former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann has backed Newcastle United centre-back Sven Botman to take Virgil van Dijk's starting spot at Liverpool next season if the Dutch international's contract is not extended.