Liverpool transfer news: Real Madrid speak out on VVD amid Elon Musk interest

The January transfer window is a week old and things are beginning to take shape in the Premier League, with priorities becoming clearer.

Top of Liverpool’s list is securing Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold for the future. Unlike some of their rivals, Liverpool are in pretty good shape, sitting top of the Premier League and Champions League and with a Carabao Cup semi-final to look forward to.

However, the speculation around Salah, Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold is a distraction that it would be wise to put to an end. Contracts are on the table for all three stars, but question marks remain, particularly over Alexander-Arnold, with Real Madrid circling.

Meanwhile, injuries mean that the Reds could move to bring in reinforcements to strengthen themselves for the title push. Here is the latest transfer news from the club.

The world’s richest man, Elon Musk, is interested in buying Liverpool from Fenway Sports Group, according to his father. Errol Musk spoke about the subject on Times Radio, raising the prospect of a blockbuster takeover.

"I can't comment on that, they'll [current owners Fenway Sports Group] raise the price,” he said. “Oh yes, [he has expressed a desire], but that doesn't mean he's buying it."

He added: "He would like to. Yes, obviously. Anybody would want to – so would I. His grandmother was born in Liverpool, and we have relatives in Liverpool, and we were fortunate to know quite a few of The Beatles because they grew up with some of my family. So, we are attached to Liverpool, you know."

Real Madrid are chasing Alexander-Arnold, but there has been a suggestion in the Spanish media that they might also be keen on Van Dijk. The 33-year-old Liverpool captain admitted this week that he is no closer to signing a new contract, spreading some uncertainty over the situation.

But while they are happy to antagonise Liverpool over Alexander-Arnold, the Spanish giants have set the record straight on Van Dijk. Club spokesperson Juan Camilo told 365scores : “The talk about Real Madrid’s desire to sign Liverpool player Van Dijk is incorrect. 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 that happens, it will be announced through our official team channels.”

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has admitted that the injury Joe Gomez suffered could force the club into the market this month. Gomez’s absence leaves Slot with just Van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Jarell Quansah in central defence.

He said: "It would be a bit weird if I told you something different than we are happy with the team. But we always look at the market. If there's a chance this club always brings something in.

“Joe Gomez’s injury means we go from four centre-backs to three. I'm very happy with the team and that is trust from the club."