Liverpool

Phil Cartwright
BBC Sport journalist

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game at Leicester (kick-off 16:30 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On captain Virgil van Dijk signing a new contract, six days after Mohamed Salah extended his stay at Anfield: "It tells you that we want to keep our best players - the players who have played great seasons for so many years in a row."

• Slot continued: "Virgil has been so important for us - defensively, offensively, around the dressing room. He's a great personality and a great football player."

• Asked about Trent Alexander-Arnold's future: "We don't talk about these things as long as things are not done yet - and they aren't, so that's why we don't talk in public about that situation."

• He added: "Every time he trains or plays with us, he shows his commitment. The moment he's on the pitch, he shows me what a great player he is and how much he's involved in us trying to achieve our goals this season. Everyone who has watched football over the past six or seven years knows he is an incredible full-back. Let's see what the future brings."

• Alexander-Arnold returned to training earlier this week and, although he will not be fit to start, he could be on the bench if he comes through training with no adverse reaction to his injury before Sunday's game.

• Liverpool will be confirmed as Premier League champions if they win and Arsenal lose to Ipswich on Sunday. "My thoughts aren't on that at all. As always, my thoughts are on Leicester and our team - how to improve and what we can do better," Slot said.

• He continued: "My whole life, I've lived in the moment. I don't look backwards a lot and I don't look forwards a lot. It's the type of person I am. It's difficult in football - people tell you to try to enjoy the journey, but the only thing you think of as a manager is the game coming up. Maybe because I've been in football so long, you get used to living day by day and trying to influence day by day."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Listen to commentary of Leicester v Liverpool on BBC Radio 5 Live from 16:30 on Sunday

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Leicester City have won just two of their past 13 Premier League games against Liverpool (D1 L10), with those coming consecutively at home in 2021 (3-1 in February and 1-0 in December).

The Foxes are looking to avoid becoming the first side in top-flight history to go nine consecutive home games without scoring a goal. In Football League history, only Mansfield Town in the third tier between August and December 1971 (9) and Wolves in the second tier between December 1984 and April 1985 (10) have achieved this unwanted feat.

Mohamed Salah has scored in all five of Liverpool's Premier League games against newly promoted sides this season (seven goals). No player in the competition's history has scored in six separate matches against promoted clubs in one campaign.

Liverpool and Manchester United are among the clubs interested in signing Lyon's 21-year-old French forward Rayan Cherki this summer. (Mail - subscription required), external

The Reds are considering a move for Eintracht Frankfurt's 22-year-old French striker Hugo Ekitike this summer. (Caught Offside), external

Arsenal and and Chelsea are leading the race to sign Real Betis' 19-year-old Spain Under-21 winger Jesus Rodriguez. (Caught Offside), external

Chelsea explored the idea of signing Virgil van Dijk this summer, before the defender signed a new contract with Liverpool. (Mail - subscription required), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

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Guess the current Liverpool player from these three clues:

• I became the world's most expensive player in my position when Liverpool signed me.

• I was part of the 2019-20 Premier League title-winning squad.

• My only Premier League goal was scored against West Bromwich Albion.

Come back to this page later for the answer

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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First Mohamed Salah, now Virgil van Dijk.

It is big news for the club and the Premier League that one of the division's most iconic players is staying put.

For so long, there has been huge uncertainty over the futures of Salah and Van Dijk at Liverpool, given their previous contracts were set to expire at the end of the season.

The perspective is far rosier now, although the future of remaining out-of-contract star Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has held talks with Real Madrid, remains hugely uncertain.

In the end, the numbers made sense for Liverpool. Replacing Salah and Van Dijk like for like would probably cost towards £200m in transfer fees, let alone wages. Identifying those players would have been a risky task.

Both players are in their mid-30s, but neither has shown signs of slowing down, so keeping them - on similar salaries to what they were on previously - appears the most economical decision, particularly when you look at their performances this season.

Van Dijk staying will lessen the necessity for Liverpool to sign a new central defender this summer, although strengthening in that area of the field is likely to depend on how talks develop with Ibrahima Konate over a new deal.

The France international is entering the final 12 months of his contract and is yet to reach an agreement over an extension.

Among the centre-backs Liverpool have watched are Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen and Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi.

If an agreement with Konate is not reached, then Liverpool may have to make a decision over his future this summer in order to avoid the prospect of the central defender leaving on a free transfer in 2026.

Image source, Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Here are some more of your comments about the news that Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is staying at Anfield:

Lynne: If we had let either Mo or Virgil go, we'd have been utter idiots! Great news that both these incredible players are here for another two years at least. As for Trent, if he decides to join Real Madrid I wish him all the very best. I just hope that he doesn't regret it as many others have, including some who are playing for them now.

Philip: This contract is only good if we sign his replacement in the summer, if we don't, then things like competing at the highest level can quickly change. We need to look to replace Van Dijk and have him working alongside someone for the next two years. Dean Huijsen has the same qualities and is a must this summer, alongside a left-back and a centre forward.

Sean: The purchases of Van Dijk and Alisson transformed the club from a big club to a great club that wins trophies. Amazing player, captain, human. Whatever happens over the next two seasons, Virgil and Mo both signing is massive for Liverpool.

David: Unfortunately he is a shadow of the player he was. Far too many mistakes of late. Hope he is able to recharge his battery in the summer break.

Fraser: Was never in doubt. So glad Virgil has chosen to stay. He's arguably been our most important player in the past seven years and it was vital that we keep him for as long as we can. We can build our defence around him while we look for his replacement and bring him to a similar standard. Looking forward to the next two years with Virgil and Salah. Let's make the most of it!

Stephen Warnock
BBC Sport pundit

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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk makes it all look very easy and is extremely consistent, so when he has a couple of shaky games, or even just difficult moments in games like he had against Everton and Fulham at the beginning of April, you always notice, but I always expect a big response to any mistakes.

When people talk about the best centre-backs of the Premier League era, he is obviously right up there.

If you could genetically engineer the perfect defender then you would build Van Dijk because on top of his physicality he can pass the ball brilliantly to launch attacks, and has this calmness about him too.

We often talk about when a player has composure on the ball, but what is special about Van Dijk is how composed he looks without it, because of his positioning and anticipation.

The barometer of an elite-level centre-back is whether they are in control of the striker they are facing, or vice versa.

It is very rare that Van Dijk is not in control, in any game, and he gives Liverpool the platform to dominate their opponents.

Van Dijk, who turns 34 in July, has also started every Premier League game this season, so his durability is not an issue, and the reason why Liverpool have given him a new two-year contract.

Read more here

Image source, Liverpool FC via Getty Images

We asked for your views on Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk signing a new contract with the Premier League leaders.

Here are some of your comments:

Andy: Hopefully another trophy-winning season. Virgil is an inspirational captain, a cool, calm defender who emits an aura of control that enables the rest of the team playing to fulfil their potentials. Two of our greatest players showing a loyalty that fans respect to a great club. Hopefully more successful seasons to follow in the near future. Thank you Virgil and Mo for staying with us.

Yusuf: We need him, he has been the best centre-back this club has seen since Ron Yeats. And particularly as this will be a big summer, hopefully with the new signings he can help their development and continue to help Quansah and Konate to develop. If we want to win the Premier League and Champions League, he is the one person who will lead us to them.

Will: Absolutely over the moon with this new deal. The contract extensions of Salah and Van Dijk have provided the team with a degree of certainty for the upcoming season, and takes some of the pressure off of the upcoming transfer window.

Graham: An absolute bargain and clever business, we'd have had to pay in excess of £100m to get a centre-back of his quality!

Dax: There was never really any doubt. Anyone who's been out and about around Liverpool will know that Van Dijk and his family belong in Liverpool just as much as Salah and his family. The culture at the club doesn't just embrace you as a player but also embraces you as a human being and there is no more welcoming place than at an organisation like Liverpool Football Club to make you feel worthy. I'm sure at some point in the next few days Van Dijk will say that it's more than just a footballing decision.

Ryan: Brilliant news. Will soften the blow of losing Trent and his leadership and his experience cannot be underestimated. He's respected in the game by fans, fellow players, and he can hopefully help pave the way for Ibou and maybe another centre-back to pick up the amazing foundations he's helped build. His dominance at the back is so assuring for the rest of the team - mistakes he makes are magnified because of the colossus that he is. He's a true legend, a giant of a man and exactly what you want from a Liverpool captain. Great news!

Liverpool fan Josh Williams spoke about van Dijk earlier this week to BBC Radio Merseyside, listen to his thoughts here.

Image source, Getty Images

Virgil van Dijk says his future was "always Liverpool" after ending lengthy contract negotiations by agreeing a new deal.

The captain's future has been a talking point throughout the season given he was due to be out of contract at the end of the campaign.

Reflecting on his new deal, Van Dijk said: "It was always in my head, it was always the plan and it was always Liverpool.

"There wasn't any doubt in my head that this is the place to be for me and my family. I'm one of Liverpool. Someone called me the other day an adopted Scouser – I'm really proud to hear these things, it gives me a great feeling.

"I'm very happy, very proud. There are so many emotions, obviously, that go through my head right now speaking about it.

"It's a proud feeling. It's a feeling of joy. It's just incredible. To be able to extend the journey I've had so far in my career with another two years at this club is amazing."

Van Dijk's deal brings to an end a key few days for the club, with top scorer Mohamed Salah also agreeing fresh terms. Trent Alexander-Arnold's future remains uncertain, though. His deal will expire at the end of the campaign and he has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid.

How are you feeling? How crucial is Van Dijk staying to the club and the future under Arne Slot? Send us your thoughts here

Image source, Getty Images

It's official - Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has signed a new contract with the Premier League leaders.

The Netherlands centre-back follows top scorer Mohamed Salah in agreeing a new deal at Anfield.

How are you feeling? How crucial is this news to the club and the future under Arne Slot? Send us your thoughts here

Follow live reaction to Van Dijk's new contract

Ryan Gravenberch is not leaving Anfield in the near future despite the midfielder's agent talking up the 22-year-old's chances of playing for Real Madrid. (Mail - subscription required), external

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Mike Hughes
BBC Radio Merseyside reporter

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It's unlikely, but highly possible that Liverpool could be crowned Premier League champions on Sunday when they face Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.

The likelihood is that they'll have to wait a little while longer for the official sprinkling of stardust on what's been an incredible season.

Of course Arne Slot isn't prepared to discuss the inevitability of what will happen sooner rather than later. Complacency is the enemy of greatness. He still demands the energy, drive and determination from his players that has got them to within touching distance of English football's most glittering prize. Yet curiously there's been a fair bit of criticism aimed in their direction in recent weeks. Perhaps with some justification.

It's fair to say that some of Liverpool's recent performances have dipped below the levels that we've come to expect. It's not that long ago that they were deemed to be the best side in Europe as they were positioned at the summit of both the Premier League and Champions League tables. Since then there's been disappointments along the way with the defeats by PSG, Newcastle and Fulham - and all of them being hard to take.

But to lose to PSG on penalties is no disgrace.

They were disjointed and lacking in all areas in the Carabao Cup final. Against Fulham they were guilty of conceding goals through basic defensive errors and despite a very decent first-half performance against West Ham, they were fortunate to get all three points.

It's always worth remembering though that even the very best teams have periods when performances don't hit the heights. That's always been the case and always will be.

Even top quality footballers are human beings. They can't always be at their best.

But even during these moments when Liverpool have come up short recently, they've still managed to win five of their last six Premier League matches.

Top level football is forensically scrutinised to an extraordinary level these days. On a daily basis individual performances are pored over and dissected. It's the nature of the beast in these days when football never sleeps. However, at the start of the season, the vast majority of Liverpool would have said that with a new manager, coming in to replace a living legend, a top four finish would be considered more than adequate.

Slot has delivered much, much more. All that without having the time for a proper pre-season training camp with all of the players available. During the summer there'll be a significant investment in terms of new signings arriving at the club.

Liverpool are within days of being back at the very top.

The intention is to stay there.

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Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Having kept their finances largely intact last summer, Liverpool are expected to be active once the market reopens. Towards the top of their priorities list is set to be a new central striker.

‌Arne Slot has flittered between options in that position but there is an emerging view that the Merseysiders will look to sign a first-choice centre forward for next season.

Like most top clubs across Europe, Alexander Isak would be towards the top of their list but a deal for the Newcastle star makes the prospect of him leaving St James' Park unlikely.

‌Liverpool are also expected to be in the market for at least one new new full-back given Trent Alexander-Arnold's talks over a free transfer to Real Madrid and lingering doubts over Andy Robertson's long-term role in Slot's team.

‌Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez and Fulham's Antonee Robinson are among the players linked.

Whether Liverpool can retain Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk in addition to Mohamed Salah will likely shape their business, particularly in terms of incomings.

For instance, Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi is a player that has been considered in the past, but the current indications are that Liverpool won't look for a starting centre-back if captain Van Dijk stays.

You can read more from Sami by signing up to the Football Extra newsletter here

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BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty answered some of your questions during a special Q&A session.

Michael asked: What have you made of Andy Robertson's performances this season? His form seems to have fallen off a cliff and he has been really poor. Do you think time has caught up with him?

Phil answered: I wouldn't say his form has fallen off a cliff, but he hasn't been at his best. I suspect that left-back is a position Liverpool will look to strengthen as Robertson is 31 now.

He has been a magnificent player for Liverpool, winning all of the big prizes, so I wouldn't be writing him off.

However, I do expect Liverpool to buy a left-back this summer.

West Ham want to sign Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher in the summer transfer window. (Mirror), external

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has told the club's board he wants to keep their best players this summer, including 25-year-old Sweden striker Alexander Isak, who has been linked with Liverpool. (Teamtalk), external

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On the 36th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, players, staff, ambassadors and supporters of Liverpool Football Club have been paying tribute to the 97 fans who lost their lives as a result of the tragedy.

Men's first-team boss Arne Slot and captain Virgil van Dijk were among those to lay wreaths at the memorial outside Anfield.

The whole club will fall silent at 15:06 BST - the time at which Liverpool's FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest was stopped.

Image source, Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Image source, Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Image source, Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Image source, Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Image source, PA Media