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Liverpool star Joe Gomez is reportedly interested in staying at Arne Slot's outfit despite growing interest from two Premier League sides.
Gomez, 27, has lately emerged as a topic of transfer speculation after dropping down in his team's pecking order. He is believed to be seen as a stop-gap defensive option rather than a centre-back choice now.
Last season, Gomez operated as a centre-back just five times as Jarell Quansah relished a breakout campaign for the Reds. He started 31 of his 51 appearances across competitions, playing mostly as a full-back.
Now, according to Football Insider, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are keen to sign Gomez this summer. The former are aiming to sign a potential replacement for Diego Carlos, while the latter held talks with the Merseyside outfit over a possible transfer earlier this June.
However, Gomez is currently focused on extending his nine-year-long stay at Liverpool. The 15-cap England international is keen to fight for a starting spot under new Reds head coach Arne Slot next campaign.
Since leaving Charlton Athletic for around £4 million in 2015, Gomez has registered nine assists in 224 overall appearances for Liverpool.
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk says club yet to offer contract extension this summer
After his team's 4-1 pre-season friendly win over Sevilla on August 11, Virgil van Dijk was asked if Liverpool have offered him a new contract. The 74-cap Netherlands international responded (h/t ESPN):
"There is no change at the minute."
Opining on his club's summer transfer activity, Van Dijk continued:
"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."
Van Dijk, who replaced Jordan Henderson as the Reds' captain, said:
"That is the main thing I am focusing on, having the trust and we will see what happens. I think they are working very hard behind the scenes, we will see how that pans out."
Van Dijk, who has a contract until June 2025, has found the back of the net 23 times and laid out 12 assists in 270 overall outings for his team.
Meanwhile, the Reds are yet to sign a new player so far this summer.
