Liverpool captain Van Dijk has played down speculation over Trent Alexander-Arnold's future, saying it may have influenced the right-back's performance against Manchester United on Sunday.
Alexander-Arnold struggled in the 2-2 draw and scored United's opener, failing to do much damage before being substituted for Connor Bradley in the 86th minute.
Liverpool, who are interested in signing the England international in the January transfer window, have reportedly rejected an approach from Real Madrid.
Speculation is mounting over the defender's future, especially as his contract expires in the summer.
Despite the rumours, Van Dijk insists the 25-year-old's performance has not been influenced by off-field distractions.
When asked if the transfer speculation had affected Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk said: “No. I'm fine.
Mohamed Salah posted a photo of himself with Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
What do you mean? 👀 #BBCF football pic.twitter.com/OZge8aSgkI
— Matches of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 6 2025
“Trent has a lot of his family and his people around him.
“He wants to be the best he can be, like all of us. That's the main focus.”
The speculation over Alexander-Arnold is part of a wider narrative at Liverpool, with Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah also approaching the final months of their contracts.
All three will be eligible to negotiate with overseas clubs from this month.
Van Dijk previously said in October that talks had started over a contract extension, but after the game against United, he revealed there had been no new developments on his situation.
Salah recently admitted that negotiations over a new contract are far from progress. “We are far from progress,” Salah said earlier this month.
Despite ongoing contract crises and transfer rumours, Salah posted a photo of himself alongside Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk after Sunday's match.