'There is no need to panic' - Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk insists he has no idea if he will stay at Liverpool despite Arne Slot plea to remain at Anfield

Van Dijk's admission will jangle the nerves of the Anfield faithful, as he repeatedly stressed there has been no development in his contract situation. Aware of the noise around his future, he asked fans not to panic and reaffirmed his focus on the Reds' push for a league and cup double.

Earlier this week, Arne Slot publicly called on van Dijk to remain with the club. Liverpool's manager said: "The only thing I know is that I want Virgil to be here next season. All the rest, talks about his contract, that's not what I do over here."

Virgil, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah's respective contract situations have proven to be a nagging story despite Liverpool's success this season.

Virgil Van Dijk said: "As long as I am calm to you guys then there is no need to panic, whatever may happen in the future. If I was worried you would see me playing a little bit worried and that is not the case.

"Maybe I will run this fully down and then if there is still no news, I don't know. I don't know at this stage (what will happen). But I don't want to create any anxiety or anything like that, I just keep my head down and focus on hopefully winning the next 10 games.

"That is my full focus: to be there for the manager, the players, the fans. So let's see what it brings and I am sure by the end of the season there will be news. But what kind of news I am not sure.

"The only thing I can say, and I have said it already many times, is that I am so proud to be the captain of this beautiful club that means so much to me and has meant so much to me in the past, as well as my family."

Van Dijk has the chance to lift another trophy as Liverpool captain as the Reds square off against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.