Van Dijk confirms new contract talks with Liverpool

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has said he has begun talks over a new contract but insisted he has “no idea” whether he will remain at Anfield next season.

There is continued uncertainty over the futures of a trio of key Liverpool players, with Van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah all set to expire at the end of this term.

The 33-year-old Van Dijk confirmed that contract negotiations have taken place, but has not committed his future to the club.

“I can say that obviously there are discussions going on, but I don’t know, we’ll see what happens in the future,” he said.

“My full focus is on Liverpool, I want to win games in front of me and nothing else.

I have no idea at the moment what the future will bring. All I can tell you is that discussions have started and we’ll see.

“I feel very good, physically, mentally and I am having fun. There are conversations going on with the right people and when it comes time to make a decision or whatever, I think you (the media) will know that too.

“But now the full commitment and focus is on Liverpool and being successful this season. So we’ll see.”

Alexander-Arnold has been subject to similar questions amid links with Spanish giants Real Madrid. These reports prompted Slot to say that his players are not distracted by speculation about their future.

“I think you underestimate our players. These players are used to being linked to all the top clubs on a daily basis, whether they have a contract or not,” he told a press conference on Friday.

“If you think they are concerned about this interest, you are not doing justice to how strong they are mentally. This is part of our job. This is part of the world we live in. Just concentrate on what you have to do.

“Maybe it can be difficult for you when you are 17 or 18 years old. But Trent won the league, won the Champions League; Virgil and Mo the same. I don’t think that’s a problem for them to perform and that’s what we’re seeing at the moment because they’re playing really well.”