'Would I love him to stay? Of course' - Van Dijk on Alisson

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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says "of course" he would "love" goalkeeper Alisson Becker to stay at Liverpool but insists the club will always adapt and evolve when senior players depart.

Earlier this year the Reds exercised the one-year extension option they had on the 33-year-old's contract, which was due to expire in the summer.

However, there has still been speculation linking him with an exit at the end of the season, with reported interest from European giants including Juventus.

"Listen, there is always going to be a day where you – including myself – will go," said Van Dijk.

"But if it's going to happen – and I have no idea about it and I don't think at this point he has an idea about it – then we will, as a club, adapt to that."

Alisson has won eight trophies during his eight years at Anfield but missed 16 games last season through injury and that tally is already at 17 this time around.

"We have been through everything together, positive things and some negative things unfortunately as well, so it would definitely be a big blow and a miss but I don't think, for me, it's a good idea to think ahead about what could or could not happen," Van Dijk added.

"He's very important for me as one of the leaders in the team and I think he is very important on the pitch because I think he is one of the best – in my opinion the best – goalkeeper in the world.

"He's trying to be back as soon as possible to help us for the last four games and that's our main focus.

"Whatever happens after that is not something you should ask me. Would I love him to stay? Of course, there's no doubt about that.