Liverpool-linked Bruno Guimaraes has picked Virgil van Dijk as one of the players when asked to build his perfect footballer.

The Newcastle United star has been one of several midfielders linked with a move to Anfield this summer. Thiago Alcantara will depart the Reds at the end of June, leading to suggestions that Liverpool may be looking for reinforcements in that department.

It is said that Guimaraes has a PS100m release clause in his current Newcastle contract until the end of June. The Magpies have missed out on European football for next season, leading to claims that they may need to sell in order to comply with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

And the Brazilian has already shared what he thinks about Liverpool's club captain in an interview with Football Joe. The 26-year-old has put Van Dijk alongside France star Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo when asked to build his perfect player.

"Pace? Mbappe," he said. "Passing? Iniesta. Vision? De Bruyne. Finishing? Ronaldo. Football IQ? Toni Kroos. Strength? Van Dijk. He's strong."

When the Brazilian media quizzed him about his plans for the upcoming summer, Guimaraes conveyed a clear message to the club's management regarding his intentions. "Look, my future, to be honest, is in God's hands," he admitted.

"I have a contract with Newcastle, I'm very happy, as I said, I know how much they like me, I know everything I've been doing for the club. In short, I have a contract, I'm happy.

"I don't know what can happen, we know everything about Financial Fair Play, but what I can say is that I feel happy. It's obviously very nice to be associated with big clubs; it indicates that I'm performing well in my role, but it doesn't concern me in the slightest, as I mentioned, I'm content where I am.

"I'm very happy, so let's see what the future holds. I'm not in any hurry, I'm happy, and it's up to God, let's see what happens."