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

Champions League

Girona

Liverpool

Atalanta

Real Madrid

<p>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 <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/real-madrid-stars-eder-militao-and-rodrygo-both-forced-off-in-tears-against-osasuna-as-defender-suffers-potential-repeat-of-nightmare-acl-injury/blt3dfbfe41fddfb822" target="_blank">owing to injuries to Eder Militao</a> and David Alaba. </p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>"Are they? Really? But they have [Antonio] Rudiger there," Van Dijk replied. </p><p>"As I already said, my full focus is on the next game against Man City and that’s it." </p>

WHAT VAN DIJK SAID

<p>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 <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/liverpool-trio-mohamed-salah-trent-alexander-arnold-virgil-van-dijk-reds-chief-offers-update-on-contract-talks/bltff277f0e7b06e9ca" target="_blank">"working feverishly" to get an extension done</a>. 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. </p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>The former Southampton defender doesn't appear too concerned over his contract saga. After helping Liverpool <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/liverpool-player-ratings-vs-real-madrid-alexis-mac-allister-conor-bradley-mohamed-salah/blt0376887f6b91fcc8" target="_blank">beat Real Madrid 2-0</a> in the Champions League on Wednesday, his focus is now on Sunday's game against Manchester City. </p>

WHAT NEXT FOR VAN DIJK?

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

Virgil van Dijk fended off questions linking him with Real Madrid as the saga over his Liverpool contract rumbles on.