Virgil van Dijk makes Joe Gomez transfer admission amid Liverpool interest - 'Not the boss'

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Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool(Image: Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Virgil van Dijk admits he would sooner Joe Gomez remains a Liverpool player this season with the England international's future unclear.

Gomez is a target for AC Milan ahead of this evening's transfer deadline with the Reds continuing to pursue a move for Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi.

Liverpool will not entertain a loan move for Gomez with any departure on a permanent basis linked to Guehi making the switch from Selhurst Park.

Gomez came off the bench to produce an impressive cameo in place of the injured Ibrahima Konate for the final stages of the 1-0 Premier League win over Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

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And Van Dijk, who was predominantly partnered by Gomez at centre-back when Liverpool won the title in 2020, is keen to see his defensive colleague stay.

"When he played (against Arsenal) with the circumstances he is in, personally, he was outstanding," said the Reds skipper.

"It wasn’t easy, but that says a lot about him as a person, and as a player: only appreciation.

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"He’s a good friend of mine, I care about him, so I was pleased for him that he could do it (on Sunday), and maybe a lot more this season.

"Do I want him to stay?

I’m not the boss, this is not a friendly business.

"Let’s see what happens Of course I want him to stay, as a friend and as a player."