Liverpool are now confirmed to be in talks with one star. A deal could be agreed shortly - if all goes to plan.

Liverpool have a lot of work to do going forward. It feels like the future of half the first-team squad is in doubt, with defence a particular concern.

Virgil van Dijk is out of contract next summer, for one. So is Joe Gomez. Ronald Araujo's loan will end, as things stand, and he'll return to Barcelona.

That means Jeremy Jacquet is, quite ridiculously, the most senior centre-back on Liverpool's books after this season. And he's played about a season and a half of senior football and is 22.

And making things worse? Liverpool's massively experienced goalkeeper is also out of contract. For now.

Alisson Becker's contract

Alisson Becker could have left Liverpool in the summer but the Reds triggered an option to extend his deal by another year. That extra year expires next summer, of course, but the Brazilian has confirmed that he’d like to remain at the club.

“Yes, in my mind, you know it depends on a lot of aspects and different situations, but my will is to stay. I’m happy here, my family is happy here and I’m still hungry for titles and delivering good performances,” he said, per the Athletic.

“I still want to play at the top level for as long as I can.”

The report also mentions that Alisson’s representatives are currently in talks with Liverpool about renewing the deal. It probably goes without saying, but this is all very positive - the Brazilian is not someone they can afford to lose.

Liverpool will not find a goalkeeper capable of matching Alisson, should he depart. He remains one of the world’s greatest and his experience feels absolutely invaluable at a time when the defence looks so uncertain going forward.

And so we say this one should be finalised as soon as possible. Liverpool need Alisson and he wants to stay. What’s the hold up here?