'A dream come true!' Dejan Lovren signs 'long-term' contract extension with Liverpool

The Croatian signed for Liverpool in the summer of 2014 and has made 105 appearances in his three seasons on Merseyside, including 28 during the current season.

The centre-back told the club's website: "This is one special day for me and my family – I think I am the happiest guy [in the world] today."

He added: "It’s another dream come true. It was always my dream to stay as long as possible at one club that I love – and that is Liverpool.

The 27-year-old said he had made a bigger impact in the last two seasons and hopes to remain with the club for a long time to come.

Meanwhile manager Jurgen Klopp hailed Lovren's contribution as he joined other stars, including Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana, in commiting his future to the club this season.

Klopp said: "Dejan is a big presence for us on the pitch and in the dressing room – this is wonderful news that he has committed to LFC for such a long time.

"He has already enjoyed some great moments at this club, but he, like all of us, is hungry to win trophies for LFC. I love this hunger and desire and look forward to seeing it translate to great performances for the team in the coming years.”

The club did not specify how long Lovren's contract extension was for, but the BBC reported on Friday Lovren had signed a deal until 2021.