The prospect of Liverpool losing Trent Alexander-Arnold is becoming more real - and if Real Madrid gets its way, it could happen sooner rather than later.

The Spanish giant is already plotting a second approach for the right-back after having a first bid rejected on New Year’s Eve. Liverpool is adamant it will not sell Alexander-Arnold this month, although it might not be able to keep hold of him for much longer.

The 26-year-old is now able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with Real if he chooses to do so, and with the Bernabeu club having made its intentions clear, that will no doubt be an option that is visited if the Reds hold firm in the January transfer window.

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Liverpool remains hopeful that Alexander-Arnold will still sign a new contract at Anfield, although with just six months to run on his current deal, they may have to start looking at potential replacements. Liverpool.com has rounded up five options that the Reds could consider.

Jeremie Frimpong

A player that seems to be a natural replacement for Alexander-Arnold given his attacking capabilities, Jeremie Frimpong’s name has been mentioned as a potential option on more than a few occasions.

Just last month, Bild’s Christian Falk reported that Liverpool invited Frimpong’s agent to Anfield when the Reds faced Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League. What’s more, the club’s interest is said to have been "confirmed" with talks having already been held with the player’s entourage.

Frimpong has been one of the stars in Xabi Alonso’s record-breaking side, although he does operate as a wing-back in the former Liverpool star’s team, which might not suit Arne Slot, who has worked hard with Alexander-Arnold on his defending.

Vanderson

Probably not a name that a lot of Liverpool fans will be too familiar with, but Vanderson is making a name for himself after joining Monaco from Gremio in 2022. At just 23 and with four caps for Brazil under his belt since making his international debut in 2023, he would represent a good long-term option.

Caught Offside listed him as one of the players Liverpool was looking at as a possible replacement for Alexander-Arnold back in October, and Rousing the Kop backed up those claims a month later by claiming the Reds were doing their ‘due diligence’ on the player.

Michael Kayode

Another one that might not be the most recognisable name, but Michael Kayode has been attracting interest from the Premier League, with Corriere dello Sport suggesting back in October that Liverpool could sign him as early as this month.

An Italy U21 international, Kayode enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at Fiorentina last season, making 37 appearances in total, including 31 starts. This season has been a little trickier for him so far, with just 12 appearances thus far, and only seven of those coming from the start.

That would suggest it might be a bit of a gamble if Liverpool decided to sign the 20-year-old, although with Conor Bradley already looking an assured option, Kayode might have time to develop before vying for a regular place in the Reds’ side.

Devyne Rensch

If Alexander-Arnold does end up signing a pre-contract agreement with Real, then Liverpool will obviously get nothing for him, which might limit its options a bit more when finding a replacement. Ajax’s Devyne Rensch is an option, though, that the Reds could sign for free.

The 21-year-old, who has established himself as a regular in Amsterdam, is due to be out of contract at the end of the season, so Liverpool could begin discussions right now and get him signed up to join ahead of next season if they wish to do so.

A more conservative right-back who can also operate as a center-back, Rensch has been eyed up by a number of clubs including Liverpool, according to Caught Offside back in November. The Reds scouts are said to have given positive feedback on him, although there is still the possibility he could sign a new deal at Ajax.

Joshua Kimmich

Another option that could be available for free at the end of the season, Kimmich would perhaps be a more unorthodox replacement for Alexander-Arnold.

The Bayern Munich star can, of course, operate as either a right-back or a defensive midfielder, but at 29 and set to turn 30 next month, he doesn’t really fit the criteria FSG would normally be interested in.

Perhaps, though, they could make an exception in this case. After all Kimmich is a proven top class player, and even if Liverpool only gets a few years out of him, that could be enough to help Bradley along and further his development.