Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk's current contract is set to expire at the end of this season.

The 35-year-old, who joined the Reds in 2018, has played every minute of the Reds' Premier League campaign so far, but has insisted he is not worried over his future at the club.

"I'm not in any panic whatsoever. I want to keep playing and continue what I'm doing. 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," he said.

However, Liverpool author and fan Adam Beattie believes the club should offer the Dutch defender a new deal, suggesting a one-year extension could make sense for all parties.

"I'd personally give him another 20 years but that's why I'm not in charge. From an emotional standpoint, you want as many of those players who won everything to stick around. I've always preferred those players to the shiny new thing," Beattie told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"I also think with Virgil, his decline has not been that substantial. He's not a million miles off his level he was in his late 20s. Of course that will come eventually, and he's going to be the highest earner, he currently is and if he gets a new deal, you have to factor those things in.

"The club may be a little bit scarred after what happened with Mo Salah and all the money they gave him and his form just completely dipped.

"I also don't know who the next captain is going to be. He's playing every single minute at the moment. If you are prepared to let him go in the summer on a free then there needs to be some sort of plan."

Beattie was also asked whether he thought Van Dijk would be happy to sign a one-year extension if it meant taking on a reduced role in the squad and not playing every game.

He suggested managing the defender's minutes could help prolong his career, particularly given the demands of European football.

"That's what I've been screaming out for for the past three years. You see him playing in these games in Europe and you think, 'God, just give him a break'," Beattie added.

"We've even seen that with forwards in the past. Managing their minutes is as good for them as us, in terms of prolonging their career."