Virgil van Dijk makes Antonio Rudiger point in response to surprise Real Madrid transfer links as Liverpool captain nears end of contract

The Liverpool centre-back was taken aback when a journalist asked him whether he would stay at Anfield beyond this season. "What a direct question," Van Dijk replied. The journalist wasn't done though, quickly following up by telling the 33-year-old that Real Madrid are looking for defenders owing to injuries to Eder Militao and David Alaba.

"Are they? Really? But they have [Antonio] Rudiger there," Van Dijk replied.

"As I already said, my full focus is on the next game against Man City and that’s it."

Van Dijk has been allowed to enter the final 12 months of his Liverpool deal but according to the Reds' ex-CEO Peter Moore, the club is "working feverishly" to get an extension done. Losing the Dutch international would be a big blow to Arne Slot given his talent and experience, providing the steel in defence that helped yield Premier League and Champions League success under Jurgen Klopp.

The former Southampton defender doesn't appear too concerned over his contract saga. After helping Liverpool beat Real Madrid 2-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday, his focus is now on Sunday's game against Manchester City.