Real Madrid are reportedly keen on signing Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold, but only if they can secure him on a free transfer.
The Liverpool star is set to become a free agent in the summer and can start pre-contractual discussions with other clubs outside of the Premier League from January, having not yet agreed on new terms with the Reds.
Alongside Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are also at risk of leaving for free, with no updates on contract negotiations.
Having risen through the ranks at Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold has established himself as one of football's top full-backs, making 326 appearances for his childhood club and securing both league and Champions League titles.
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According to the Telegraph, Real Madrid are eager to bring the 26-year-old to the Bernabeu, viewing him as a potential successor to long-standing right-back Dani Carvajal, who is out for the season due to an ACL injury.
Despite the possibility of a reduced fee due to his expiring contract, Madrid are said to be willing to wait until the summer to see if he becomes available for free.
In the midst of a triumphant season, Liverpool looks set to hold firm on keeping Alexander-Arnold despite the player's hamstring woes. As they lead the league table with aspirations of seizing glory for the first time since 2020, parting with Alexander-Arnold mid-season seems off the cards.
Integral to Arne Slot’s tactics, the full-back has been pivotal in most matches, clocking up 12 out of 13 starts and chalking up two assists across all competitions.
Although recent bouts with injury have sidelined him from key victories against Southampton and Real Madrid, he valiantly returned to contribute to a sterling 2-0 triumph over Manchester City.
Slot has been cautiously monitoring his game time, saying: "Last weekend against City, we didn't think it was smart to play Trent for 90 minutes after his injury. That's probably going to be the same tomorrow and on Saturday as well."
Slot's careful approach aims to avoid any reverse in the defender's rehabilitation progress, suggesting a gradual ease back into a full-match regimen across a busy winter period.
