Real Madrid have reportedly informed Liverpool of their desire to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer ahead of next season.
The Reds defender is coming to the end of his contract, which is due to expire next summer. If he does not sign a new deal before January, there will be nothing to stop him agreeing a future move to the Bernabeu.
Players in the final year of their existing deals will be free to negotiate pre-contract agreements with non-English clubs at the turn of the year.
Real Madrid are said to be exploring this avenue, with the Spanish giants having already reached out to Liverpool to inform them of their plans, according to talkSPORT.
The reigning European champions are not obliged to declare their interest, but it is said they want to be respectful to Liverpool by keeping them in the loop.
Alexander-Arnold has made no secret of his desire to win more trophies, which could make Real Madrid the perfect destination for him. However, there is still time for Liverpool to convince him that his long-term interests would be better served at Anfield.
They are believed to be holding out hope that he will eventually decide to commit his future to them by signing a new and improved contract.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has maintained that he is not worried about the prospect of Alexander-Arnold having his head turned, saying last month: “These players are used to being linked with all the top clubs on a daily basis, if they have contracts or not.
“If you think they’re disturbed by these interests, then I think you don’t do justice to how strong they are mentally and what they are used to. This is part of our job.
“I was at Feyenoord last year and they linked me with many clubs and before that and before that. This is part of this world we are living in. You just focus on what you have to do.
“Maybe if you’re 17 or 18 years of age, that could be difficult for you, but Trent has won the league, has won the Champions League.”
