Real Madrid release Virgil van Dijk statement ahead of Liverpool free transfer

Real Madrid have categorically dismissed rumors linking them with Liverpool stalwart defender Virgil van Dijk, who is nearing the end of his contract at Anfield and, as such, could sign a pre-contract with another club outside the 'England.

The Reds are also sweating over the futures of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, both stuck in the home stretch of their own contracts.

Amid speculative chatter from Spain suggesting Van Dijk's agent had introduced him to Real Madrid – who notoriously tried to poach Alexander-Arnold in the run-up to the New Year – Los Blancos have dismissed the claims.

An official Real Madrid spokesperson said 365scores: “The discussions about Real Madrid's desire to sign Liverpool player Van Dijk are incorrect.”

The statement continues with great clarity: “Van Dijk is not part of our contractual plans and we have not sent an official offer to Liverpool regarding negotiations with Van Dijk. The player has not been offered to our club by the player's agents, and if this happens, it will be announced through our team's official channels.

For his part, Van Dijk, although keen to continue his legacy with Liverpool, tempered expectations after the recent clash against Manchester United, saying: “I don't think [there will be an update soon] but I'm calm about it, like I said months ago. We'll see what happens in the future and at this point I have absolutely no updates.”

Speaking about the upcoming match and his team's focus, the player highlighted: “At the moment it's about focusing, for me and for the team, on Spurs. [on Wednesday]. It will once again be a difficult match, but a good one [Carabao Cup] semi-final.”

The conversation then turned to speculation regarding Virgil van Dijk's future at Liverpool. As one of the Reds' key players out of contract and yet to agree to new terms, Van Dijk calmly addressed the situation: “I agree with [speculation]” he said.

Addressing the media frenzy around teammate Alexander-Arnold's contract, Van Dijk said: “Trent has his own people around him, his family and we are there too. He wants to play in the best possible way, like we do all of them. That's the main goal in my opinion, maybe ask him, it's the distraction…the game.”

Jamie Carragher praised Van Dijk during an interview with Sky Sports, detailing how he handled talks about his future. “I would say that Virgil van Dijk has come out of this whole situation this season, as captain of the club, in greater esteem,” Carragher said.

He praised Van Dijk for his leadership qualities and distinguished conduct amid the turmoil of contract negotiations, contrasting it with the frank approaches of other players.

Carragher added: “It's obviously a very important moment for all three players, we know that, but I think rather than talking about Trent Alexander-Arnold or Mo Salah, I'd probably like to pay tribute to Virgil van Dijk “I think he comes across as a real statesman with the way he handled the situation.”

Van Dijk was also praised for his professionalism: “He's been asked questions, he's done everything, he's here to win the championship, he wants to do his best for Liverpool and fingers crossed he signs. I think the other two could perhaps look at Virgil van Dijk and take a page from his book.”