Van Dijk becomes the first player to break their silence on Slot potential move

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has become the first Reds player to speak on the potential appointment of Arne Slot.

The Reds are closing in on Slot as they work on a deal with Feyenoord to make him their next manager when Jurgen Klopp leaves the club at the end of the season.

Anfield officials contacted the Dutch champions on Wednesday with a first offer of compensation for the 49-year-old, who does not have a release clause in his contract.

The situation is developing quickly and talks to bring Slot to Anfield could even be concluded before the weekend. He will inherit a successful-but-damaged squad, who look to have left the title race following their 2-0 defeat to local rivals Everton on Wednesday.

Van Dijk, who also captain the Netherlands national team, the same country that Slot is from, spoke of his countryman after Liverpool's loss to Everton, and has high hopes of his potential arrival.

'I think Slot is one of the better Dutch coaches at the moment, the 32-year-old said. 'With the way he plays and the philosophy he has, he can be a Liverpool coach.

'But I read and hear that it is far from complete. We shall see. We will focus on that next season, but that is still a long way off.'

The Reds have four games remaining this season, and trail leaders Arsenal by three points. They are one point ahead of defending champions Manchester City, who have two games in hand.

Defeats to Crystal Palace and Everton have de-railed their title charge, with Slot set to be the man to try and kick the Reds onto the next level.

Slot, who was considered by both Tottenham and Chelsea last summer, has found immense success since joining the Dutch side in 2021 and has become one of the most progressive coaches in European football.

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