Liverpool media round-up, including the latest on the future of captain Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.(Image: MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Liverpool will have nearly three weeks to lick the wounds and recover from Sunday's 2-1 Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle United at Wembley. The Magpies defeated Arne Slot's side after goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak.
For Slot, it was the first time since taking over the Reds that he has suffered back-to-back defeats. However, the Dutchman will have to wait two-and-a-half weeks to set the record straight as Liverpool are not in action until April 2 when they face Everton at Anfield.
But you already knew that, didn't you?
READ MORE: Three Liverpool players showed true class with what they did after Newcastle won Carabao CupREAD MORE: I spotted Liverpool's missing piece at Wembley - Arne Slot knows what is needed this summer
Here, the ECHO looks at some of the Liverpool news and rumours you might have missed.
Van Dijk 'leaning' towards Liverpool exit
Virgil van Dijk is reportedly leaning towards leaving Liverpool at the end of the season - with the Dutchman said to be eyeing a move to the MLS.
Van Dijk, 33, is one of three players - along with Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold - out of contract on July 1 and appears no closer to resolving his future at Anfield.
However, Sacha Tavolieri of Sky Sports has claimed that the final weeks of the 2024/25 season are "likely" to be Van Dijk's last at Liverpool as he prepares to leave the club at the end of the season.
Tavolieri reports that despite having an offer from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, Van Dijk would "prefer" a move to the United States.
Liverpool 'eyeing' Van Dijk replacement
And if Van Dijk is to move on from Anfield at the end of the season, Tavolieri reports that Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck is being tracked by the Reds.
Schlotterbeck, 25, has impressed during his 123 appearances for Borussia Dortmund after moving from Bundesliga side SC Freiburg in 2022.
But with a contract with the Bundesliga giants until 2027, it is claimed that Liverpool - or any other Premier League club interested in the defender - would have to cough up £50m to activate his release clause.
Schlotterbeck has been capped 18 times by the German national team.