Ian Rush warns Liverpool stars as 3 players continue to flirt with transfer exit

Ian Rush is keen to see Liverpool secure the futures of Virgil van Dijk , Mohamed Salah , and Trent Alexander-Arnold - but he stressed no player is bigger than the club.

Despite Van Dijk's admission there's been no progress in contract talks, with all three players having just 10 months left on their current deals, Rush remains hopeful. "No one is bigger than the club, but they've got a year left so hopefully the three of them are good for another three years at Liverpool ," Rush said, as quoted by the Daily Mirror .

"They are great players and personally I'd love to see them stay but we have to look at every situation. I think the players don't think of the situation, I think they just want to play."

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With Van Dijk at 33, Salah at 32, and Alexander-Arnold reaching his prime at 25, the trio are crucial to new manager Arne Slot's plans. The task of negotiating new contracts falls to sporting director Richard Hughes, but Rush insists that Liverpool's immediate attention should be on the pitch as the team gears up for its season opener against Ipswich on Saturday.

"It would be nice (to have agreements) but at the end of the day that is what Richard Hughes gets paid to do," he added. "I think the way forward now is to get the start of the season under way. It's not just 11 on the pitch, it's the whole squad. Individuals will win you games but you need to be in a team. If Slot can get that team spirit I am sure they'd want to stay at Liverpool."

Van Dijk has dropped a hint about his future at Liverpool, reflecting on his career choices after the Netherlands' exit from Euro 2024. He remarked: "I will think carefully this summer about what I want at club level and as an international player."

Despite the uncertainty, Van Dijk is zeroing in on the upcoming season with Slot at the helm. However, he did imply that bolstering the squad is essential, especially after Liverpool's failed attempt to sign Martin Zubimendi, leaving them as the only top European side without a new addition.

Asked about the upcoming campaign, Van Dijk added: "I am positive. I am confident. Obviously, I think we should make some signings based on how long the season will go but I think they are working behind the scenes and I am fully convinced, and trust the club, that they will do the right thing for us and get the best possible squad in order to compete in every competition that we are in."