The perfect situation would be to bring somebody in who maybe plays with Van Dijk for one or two years and then takes over Van Dijk's role."
German football pundit Lothar Matthaus clarified that the new contract extension does not preclude a transfer if an elite club makes an offer.
Matthaus stated to Sky Germany: "It was always about him wanting to take the next step. On the other hand, he's also committed to Borussia Dortmund.
But if Real Madrid comes calling, you want to keep a door open, at least a small crack you can walk through."
Liverpool has already secured a £60 million deal for 20-year-old defender Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes, while alternative targets on the recruitment shortlist include Konstantinos Koulierakis from Wolfsburg and former Liverpool player Jarrell Quansah.
