Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has made clear he wants Andy Robertson to stay despite talks over a potential transfer to Tottenham Hotspur before the January window closes
Virgil van Dijk has expressed his desire for Andy Robertson to remain at Liverpool despite ongoing discussions with Tottenham Hotspur regarding a potential transfer before the January window closes.
Robertson had been in talks with Liverpool about a new contract beyond the end of the season prior to Spurs' unexpected approach earlier this week. The two clubs are currently engaged in negotiations, with no decision reached so far.
Liverpool appreciates the significant contributions their vice-captain has made over the past eight-and-a-half years, though this season he has found his game time limited following the signing of Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth.
Naturally, Robertson wishes to secure regular first-team football ahead of captaining Scotland at their first World Cup finals since 1998 later this year, and Spurs have their accelerated plans to the current transfer window.
Speaking to football.london's sister site, the Liverpool ECHO, after Liverpool's 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday evening, club captain Van Dijk revealed that he has discussed the situation with his deputy and hopes that the long-serving left-back will stay on Merseyside for the rest of the season at least.
"Of course I speak to him," said Van Dijk. "I speak to him every day, he's my vice-captain. Robbo is a very important member of our team and I want him to stay but whatever happens, let's see.
"Do I expect him to be here on Wednesday [for the Qarabag game]? That's not on me, is it? Let's speak about [my best memories of him] when [a move] happens."
Liverpool's 13-match unbeaten run was halted in their loss at Bournemouth, with Robertson entering the fray in place of Kerkez with the scoreline 2-1 to the hosts at half-time.
On his decision to use Robertson as a substitute whilst transfer talks with Tottenham take place, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot told Sky Sports: "I think I need all of my players.
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"I thought, let's bring Robbo in at half-time to make sure Milos [Kerkez] stays available for the rest of the season, because there are a lot of games to be played with the players that are available.
"I have to manage that, as well, because the last thing we need right now is another injury."
Meanwhile Spurs were winding down from their 2-2 draw with Burnley at Turf Moor earlier the same day. After that result, Thomas Frank was asked directly whether Robertson would have contributed defensively for his side in the game.