Virgil van Dijk has become a surprise target for AC Milan, with Italian reports suggesting the Serie A giants are keen to explore signing the Liverpool captain.

Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Luca Bianchin revealed to Milan News that the idea of bringing Van Dijk to San Siro has been discussed internally for months.

Senior advisor Zlatan Ibrahimović first proposed the idea in the spring, and it eventually reached club owner Gerry Cardinale as Milan considered ambitious additions to Ruben Amorim’s squad.

While there’s genuine admiration for the Dutch defender, Bianchin emphasised that no negotiations are currently underway between the clubs.

Milan have already demonstrated their willingness to invest this summer by agreeing a club-record deal for Gonçalo Ramos.

This spending has fuelled speculation that the Italian side is prepared to pursue elite-level players capable of instantly improving their squad, and Van Dijk undoubtedly fits that profile.

READ MORE: Crystal Palace Monitor Harvey Elliott As Liverpool Star's Future Remains Uncertain

Widely regarded as one of the world’s best centre-backs over the past decade, the Liverpool captain would bring leadership experience and proven quality to any team.

Despite Van Dijk entering the final year of his Liverpool contract, several significant obstacles remain. Liverpool have already undergone changes in its defensive core and is embarking on a new era under Andoni Iraola.

Allowing the club captain to leave would represent another major defensive setback at a time when stability is likely a priority.

READ MORE: Liverpool's Fixtures Analysed: The Key Periods That Could Define Andoni Iraola's First Season

Financially, any deal would also be challenging, as Van Dijk’s wages, transfer fee and personal ambitions all present hurdles Milan would need to overcome before discussions could realistically progress.

Bianchin also noted that while the Netherlands’ World Cup elimination could potentially accelerate future conversations, no formal talks are currently taking place.

Ultimately, Liverpool makes the final decision, as Van Dijk remains a key player and continues to perform at an elite level.  At 34, he’s become the only outfield player in Europe’s top seven leagues to play every minute of both his domestic league campaign and his country’s World Cup group stage matches, demonstrating his fitness and importance.

While Milan might dream of signing him, convincing Liverpool to let go of their captain is a different matter.

There’s interest, but no negotiations are underway and Liverpool still sees Van Dijk as central to Iraola’s plans.  Therefore, a move to San Siro seems like a difficult deal to pull off.

Follow LFC Transfer Room On: X | Instagram | Facebook | Threads | Youtube