Almost HALF the Premier League queuing up to sign two-time Liverpool title winner

Liverpool succeeded in tying down Virgil van Dijk to a new contract - extending the captain’s stay at the club until 2027.

The 33-year-old is expected to marshal the Reds’ backline in the seasons ahead - with the club hoping to capitalise on their successful 2024/25 Premier League campaign.

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However, while Van Dijk’s future is secure, around him in the Liverpool defence there is some uncertainty. Firstly there is an ongoing issue regarding Ibrahima Konate.

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The France centre-back is out of contract in 2026 and if no new deal is agreed then he could be sold this summer. Then there’s Jarell Quansah.

The homegrown 22-year-old quickly fell out of favour under Arne Slot and could be sacrificed as the Reds make space for new arrivals. Another central defender who could be deemed expendable is long-serving No2 Joe Gomez.

Joe Gomez tipped to leave

The 15-cap England international has been at Anfield since 2015 - winning two Premier Leagues and a Champions League among other honours.

However, after another injury-hit campaign and with a contract expiring in 2027, the 28-year-old looks set to be sold. Newcastle and Aston Villa were among the suitors for Gomez last summer but he ultimately stayed put.

And according to a new report in Empire of the Kop, those two sides are among EIGHT Premier League clubs interested in adding Gomez to the ranks.

Aston Villa and Newcastle lead chase for Gomez

"No fewer than eight Premier League clubs are keeping close tabs on Gomez, with Newcastle, Aston Villa, Everton, West Ham, Bournemouth and the promoted trio of Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland all informed as to his situation,” the report reads.

Newcastle will be playing Champions League football next season - an appropriate setting for Gomez’s talents - while Villa just missed out on qualification on the last day.

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Gomez was restricted to only NINE top-flight appearances last season and 17 overall.

He filled in while Konate was injured through the winter but his own campaign ended in February when he suffered yet another hamstring injury - this time in the FA Cup defeat to Plymouth.