Real Madrid has reportedly turned down the chance to sign Virgil van Dijk on a free transfer. The defender is now said to be on the verge of inking a new deal with Liverpool.

The 20-year-old forward Charles Sagoe Jr has returned to Arsenal from a loan spell with League One side Shrewsbury Town, but that is unrelated to the current injury crisis. After Sagoe Jr made just five starts in the first half of the season, Shrewsbury opted to terminate the loan arrangement.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is in a three-way game of chess with Liverpool and Real Madrid as he nears a decision on his future.