Chelsea's bombshell Van Dijk transfer bid and Liverpool star's honest response

Virgil van Dijk has revealed he "always" intended to sign a new contract with Liverpool, despite Chelsea reportedly making a move to sign him on a free transfer

Chelsea reportedly explored a move for Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk this summer, but the Dutchman had no intention of leaving Anfield. Van Dijk has finally signed a new two-year contract extension, ending speculation about his future.

The defender was one of three key players whose deals were due to expire at the end of the season, but both he and star forward Mohamed Salah have committed the next two years of their career to Liverpool.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, however, is expected to leave and join Real Madrid on a free transfer. Van Dijk was also targeted by clubs who wanted to bring them in on a free and Chelsea were among those who enquired about a move for the 33-year-old.

However, according to the Daily Mail, the Blues were informed that Van Dijk was highly likely to remain at Liverpool. The report also states that rumours of a potential move to Paris Saint-Germain were always a 'non-starter'.

And Van Dijk has essentially confirmed that he did not entertain any offers from other clubs, insisting he "always" wanted to extend his contract even though a move to Chelsea would have come with a huge signing-on fee.

"It was always Liverpool," he told club media. "That was the case. It was always in my head, it was always the plan and it was always Liverpool.

"There wasn't any doubt in my head that this is the place to be for me and my family. I'm one of Liverpool. Someone called me the other day an adopted Scouser – I'm really proud to hear these things, it gives me a great feeling.

"It always felt right. I said it from the first day on that it felt right and I think it showed in the years we have spent together up until now. And obviously more years to come.

"It is the place for me to be, to spend my best years, be successful with the club as we have been over the years and hopefully the future as well. And I love the city, I love the club, I love the fans. I love my teammates. I love everything that embodies Liverpool and on to many more."

Van Dijk also admitted it was an "emotional" decision to renew his contract. "It is an emotional day, not only for myself but for my family as well," the Dutchman added.

"My kids are also almost like Scousers, they don't know anything else than Liverpool, especially my two youngest. You live your life away from obviously where I'm from in Holland and you are living a very good life, a blessed life, but we live also that good life because of the people of Liverpool, the club, the fans.

"So it's a togetherness that I really, really appreciate. It helps me and also is what embodies me as well, that I really love how the club is in general, what it stands for and these principles and values are really important to me and my family as well."