Andoni Iraola decides who his next Virgil van Dijk is going to be

Andoni Iraola decides who his next Virgil van Dijk is going to be Virgil van Dijk has been Liverpool's rock ever since he joined in 2017. The Dutchman has been one of the main reasons why the Reds have been so successful over the last few years with his two Premier League titles a testament to that. However, now that he's 35 years old and is entering the final year of his Liverpool contract, the Anfield outfit need to start thinking about life after the former Southampton man. At the moment, they have two of the best young centre-backs in the world among their ranks in Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni. And, if Ifeanyi Ndukwe manages to carry his pre-season form to La Liga, they could have another superstar among their ranks. However, as good as it is to have youngsters who are likely to only get better, experience is also needed to help mentor the youngsters and keep things in check. This is why more experienced centre-backs are still being linked with Liverpool with a new one now potentially high on their priority list. Liverpool want to reignite their interest in Alessandro Bastoni As mentioned, with Van Dijk's current Liverpool contract set to expire in June 2027 , change could certainly be afoot. At the moment, the Dutchman is still one of the Reds' best defenders and, aside from their Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham, he's featured in every game. Indeed, the fact that he now has someone much more competent than Ibrahima Konate beside him has probably helped him out significantly with some people even saying that Jacquet is already one of the best centre-backs in the world. However, in June, Van Dijk will be a month away from turning 36 and, if he fancies a massive payday, this summer will be his last chance to explore that. This has caused many different rumours to emerge and now, thanks to an update from Football Insider, Liverpool's fanbase have been told who their club are potentially eyeing to replace their captain. "Liverpool are planning to reignite their long-term interest in Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni in next summer's window," they wrote . "The 27-year-old has been on the radar at Anfield for a number of years, but they have never been able to lure him away from his boyhood club, and could now try again. "This comes amid doubts about Virgil van Dijk 's long-term future at the club, with work ongoing in the background to identify replacements who could step in next year. "Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Liverpool view Bastoni as the "perfect option" to strengthen their defensive line next summer. "Bastoni is extremely highly regarded, not just at Liverpool but across world football, and could be the ideal choice to replace Van Dijk should a new contract not be agreed." Alessandro Bastoni would be an impressive signing for Liverpool As Football Insider mentioned, getting Bastoni to leave Inter will probably be a bit of a struggle. But, if he wants to test his ability outside of the Serie A and potentially try and win the Champions League, joining Liverpool could be the best way for him to do that. The Italy international was eyed by many different clubs in the summer and, while none managed to get a deal over the line, it's not hard to see why so many of them wanted him. Not only has he been one of the Serie A's best centre-backs over the last few years but, he's also built up a wealth of experience that could help him mentor youngsters. Each of these bits of skill are going to be key to Liverpool in their hunt for their next Van Dijk, especially since they'll be losing their captain. At the moment, it's anyone's guess what could happen but for now, it feels like .