Real Madrid have reportedly turned down the chance to sign Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk after the Dutchman's agent offered him to the La Liga club.
As things stand, Van Dijk will become a free agent in the summer, with the Liverpool captain yet to agree a new contract at Anfield.
The 33-year-old has been one of the club's key players since joining from Southampton in 2018, helping the Reds win the Champions League and Premier League during his eight-year spell.
But he now risks leaving Anfield for nothing at the end of the season if Liverpool cannot agree new terms, with the club also in danger of losing Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold to free transfers.
According to Spanish newspaper Relevo, Van Dijk's agent had offered the player to Real Madrid in connection with a possible free transfer, but the club turned down the opportunity.
The representative is said to have contacted Madrid officials to inform them that the veteran defender was keen to move to the Bernabeu, especially as he knew the team was struggling with injuries to central defender David Alaba and Eder Militao.
But Madrid reportedly refused to take up this option as they look at other players better suited to their project. Van Dijk is not the only Liverpool linked to Real Madrid.
Alexander-Arnold is said to be a big target for Carlo Ancelotti's men and the club have already made a bid for the right-back, which has been rejected.
Van Dijk recently discussed speculation about the future of Alexander-Arnold and himself following Liverpool's 2-2 draw against Manchester United.
The 26-year-old put in a poor performance and faced claims he was distracted by speculation, but Van Dijk refuted the idea.
He said: “I'm doing well [speculation]. Trent has his own people around him, his family and we are there too. He wants to perform to the best of his ability, just like we all do. That is the main focus. In my opinion, maybe ask him, that's the distraction… the game.”
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