Van Dijk wants 'very important' Robertson to stay at Liverpool

Virgil van Dijk expressed his desire to see the "very important" Andy Robertson remain at Liverpool beyond the transfer window.

It was reported this week that long-serving full-back Robertson is in talks over a move to Premier League rivals Tottenham before the window slams shut.

However, Reds skipper Van Dijk wants to see the Scotland international – Liverpool's vice-captain – to stay put at Anfield.

Van Dijk, speaking after Liverpool's 3-2 Premier League defeat to Bournemouth, said: "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."

Robertson has been an outstanding servant to Liverpool since joining from Hull City in 2017.

The 31-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of the campaign, counts two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy among the nine major honours he has won with Liverpool.

However, he has been predominantly displaced by close-season arrival Milos Kerkez as first-choice left-back, and with a World Cup campaign with Scotland on the horizon, it looks as though he could opt for pastures new.

Asked if he expects Robertson to still be in the squad when Liverpool face Qarabag in the Champions League in midweek, Van Dijk merely replied: "That's not on me, is it?"