A young Tottenham mascot humorously encouraged Virgil van Dijk to leave Liverpool and join Spurs, candidly adding, “We haven’t got any good defenders!”

The lighthearted exchange happened ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg showdown between Tottenham and Liverpool.

Lucas Bergvall’s late goal secured Tottenham a crucial victory, though the match was marred by a concerning injury to Rodrigo Bentancur.

Before the game began, a heartwarming moment unfolded as Spurs’ young mascots eagerly waited to step onto the field.

The children were visibly thrilled as some of football’s biggest stars passed by, with the loudest cheer seemingly saved for Liverpool’s star defender, Virgil van Dijk.

The Dutchman is one of the best in the business, having won a Premier League and Champions League during his time at Anfield.

But one Tottenham mascot reckons the time is right for Van Dijk to quit Liverpool and sign for Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Indeed, the whipper-snapper didn’t hesitate to issue the offer out loud as Van Dijk high-fived him and other mascots.

And he even admitted Tottenham “haven’t got any good defenders” in amusing scenes.

Fans were left tickled by the brilliant incident on social media.

One said: “You’ve got to admire children’s honesty.”

Another declared: “Made my day.”

One noted: “Class this.”

Another added: “Looks like these mascots haven’t got any media training yet!”