Virgil van Dijk insists he ‘does not know’ what will happen about his Liverpool future but insists ‘there is no need to panic’ – with Reds captain still yet to agree a new deal beyond this season

Virgil van Dijk has urged Liverpool fans to not panic or feel anxious over his unsolved future – and channel all their energy into backing the team to winning the Carabao Cup final on Sunday and the Premier League title, too.

The Reds look to defend their League Cup crown this weekend against Newcastle but supporters will travel to the capital worried that it could be the last time they see the likes of Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah play in their colours at Wembley.

But in a wide-ranging sit-down interview yesterday, captain Van Dijk, who is out of contract in the summer, said: ‘As long as I am calm to you guys then there is no need to panic, whatever may happen in the future. If I was worried you would see me playing a little bit worried and that is not the case.

‘Maybe I will run this fully down and then if there is still no news, I don’t know. I don’t know at this stage (what will happen). But I don’t want to create any anxiety or anything like that, I just keep my head down and focus on hopefully winning the next 10 games.

‘That is my full focus: to be there for the manager, the players, the fans. So let’s see what it brings and I am sure by the end of the season there will be news. But what kind of news I am not sure.

‘The only thing I can say, and I have said it already many times, is that I am so proud to be the captain of this beautiful club that means so much to me and has meant so much to me in the past, as well as my family.’

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has said that he wants his compatriot to stay at Anfield beyond the end of the season

The Reds go in search of their first trophy under Arne Slot when they face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final

Boss Arne Slot said he wants Van Dijk to stay beyond this season.

The Dutchman also confirmed defender Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss the final against Newcastle with an ankle injury but, as Mail Sport reported earlier this week, the vice-captain is hoping to play again this season. Defender Ibrahima Konate has passed a fitness test.