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

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

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• Van Dijk's contract expires next summer
• Defender asked about Real Madrid transfer
• Liverpool beat Los Blancos in UCL

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  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.

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  WHAT VAN DIJK SAID

  "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."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  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.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR VAN DIJK?

  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.