Everton's £30m star tipped for shock exit as bold Liverpool claim of Real Madrid interest made
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Liverpool legend Graeme Souness has questioned Reds captain Virgil van Dijk and suggested the defender is unhappy at Anfield.
The Netherlands international has become an integral figure at Anfield ever since he joined the Reds in a £75m deal from Southampton during the January transfer window in 2017. Van Dijk wasted little time in making an impact on the red half of Merseyside and has gone on to claim two Carabao Cups and has also lifted the Premier League title, Champions League, FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA World Club Cup.
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Hide AdHowever, Souness believes the upcoming departure of Jurgen Klopp could have signalled a change in Van Dijk’s stance on his future - and suggested La Liga giants Real Madrid would love to take full advantage of his contract situation at Anfield as he enters the final month of his current deal during the summer transfer window.
Speaking to Simon Jordan and Troy Deeney, Souness said: “If you’d asked me about this a month ago, I would’ve said whoever takes over from Jürgen Klopp is inheriting the most fabulous situation, but I can’t say that anymore. With the way that they’ve performed this month, Liverpool have now got a big question mark against their character.
“The fact that Virgil van Dijk’s contract end is coming up worries me, he’s 33 in July, and if his agent were to call up the sporting director at Real Madrid, they’d take him. I just look at him now and the noise he’s been making, which he hasn’t done throughout his career, and I think he’s obviously unhappy.”
The 3AM Verdict: As it stands, there is little to suggest Van Dijk will depart Anfield this summer and you can be sure Arne Slot will be keen to retain the services of one of the most important figures within the Reds squad if and when he succeeds Klopp in the near future.
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Hide AdFormer England international makes bold claim over Everton star
Paul Robinson believes Everton may have to sell goalkeeper Jordan Pickford this summer - or risk losing the former Sunderland stopper for a knockdown price over the coming years.
The England international has been a real high point of a difficult season at Goodison Park and has been one of the main reasons why Sean Dyche’s side have now secured their Premier League status. Pickford penned a new long-term deal with the Toffees last year committing him to the club until the summer of 2027. However, Robinson insisted there could be a big decision lying in wait for the Toffees and their number one and tipped Chelsea to make a move if Everton to opt to allow Pickford to move on.
The former England keeper told Football Insider: “If you look at Chelsea now, you’d argue they’re in the same place as where they were last year. Their performances are better and he will be more financially rewarded than at Everton. There’s a better chance of European football at Chelsea and they’re a bigger and better club than Everton right now. From Everton’s point of view and considering Pickford is 30, this is their last chance to get a big transfer fee for him. If he stays at Everton for another two or three seasons, the fee will be different.”
The 3AM Verdict: Although Everton’s financial issues have been well-versed, selling Pickford would seem to be counter-productive given his importance to Dyche and his future plans.
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