Liverpool news: Virgil van Dijk issues demand as clubs circle for Reds defender

Liverpool had little time to ride high after a positive result against Manchester City and now preparations for Newcastle United are well underway.

The Reds welcome the Magpies to Merseyside on Wednesday evening, little over two weeks before the sides meet at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final. After earning an 11-point lead in the Premier League, Arne Slot's side will want to maintain that gap and send a message to Eddie Howe's team.

A rare weekend without a game will follow for Slot and co, allowing the Dutchman time to take stock before Champions League action returns. There will be no shortage of big occasions before the end of the season.

With that said, Mirror Football takes a look at the latest news and rumours around Anfield.

Mac Allister knock

Alexis Mac Allister came out of his side's clash with Manchester City a little worse for wear it appears, after the midfielder revealed he suffered a swollen cheek and a black eye. The Argentina international posted to his Instagram story, sporting some bruising on Monday.

The Reds star may have picked up the knock after tangling with Omar Marmoush and requiring lengthy treatment at the Etihad Stadium. Mac Allister was judged to be fine to continue and completed 90 minutes.

The ex-Brighton is needed a moment to regain his composure after being assessed however. The 26-year-old admitted he was dizzy following the incident.

"Basically when Marmoush scored the goal which was disallowed he hit me, he landed on me and I hit the floor,” Mac Allister said following the game. "I felt a little bit dizzy but it is something that happens."

Van Dijk's demand

After beating Manchester City at the weekend, Virgil van Dijk's focus remains on sustaining that momentum, particularly at home. The Reds captain has called upon his team-mates to turn Anfield into a fortress for the final Premier League run-in, where most of their matches come with home advantage.

He said: "I mentioned it after that [Wolves] game, that obviously it's pretty normal, humans, there could be some anxious feelings kicking in. That could still be the case, but I think it only helps us and them as well to make Anfield horrible for the opponent, like most of the time we have been doing that, and obviously the way we play obviously helps with that as well.

"How many home games are left? Seven out of 11. So lets make sure those seven are going to be amazing, as loud as possible, and I don't think we have to speak about it, because normally that is the case.”

Clubs chase Konate

Liverpool have already seen Real Madrid attempt to prise Trent Alexander-Arnold, and could once again be forced to knock back their advances for another defender.

Alexander-Arnold could yet move to the Bernabeu, with his contract set to expire this summer, and Los Blancos are reportedly already hoping to to take advantage of another play who has yet to renew terms with Liverpool. The La Liga side are said to be interested in landing Ibrahima Konate.

The Frenchman will enter the final year of his deal in the summer and has yet to agree a new contract. Paris Saint-Germain, in addition to Real, are considering a move.

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