Jamie Carragher and Daniel Sturridge were embroiled in a fiery exchange over Trent Alexander-Arnold's future at Liverpool. The pair shared a frosty back-and-forth following the Reds' 2-2 draw with Manchester United when discussing Real Madrid's interest in the full-back.

Arne Slot's side were the subject of a £20million bid from Los Blancos at the end of 2024, which was subsequently rejected, overshadowing the build-up to Liverpool's clash with their local rivals. Alexander-Arnold, whose contract is up for expiry at the end of the season, has faced speculation throughout the Reds scintillating campaign so far but scrutiny intensified after the approach from Spain.

The 26-year-old struggled on Sunday against the Red Devils and the argument that the external noise and interest from the record Champions League holders proved to be a distraction for Alexander-Arnold increased.

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However, Carragher and Sturridge - two former Liverpool teammates - were involved in a heated discussion over what the Kirkby academy graduate should remain on Merseyside or complete a switch to the Spanish capital.

Here is the full transcript:

Jamie Carragher: "There's sometime frustration from Liverpool supporters [Alexander-Arnold] could leave for free - he came for free, I've got no problem with that. It's his choice. When I'm talking about Trent, I'm disappointed with the Real Madrid stuff coming out and that being the focus before a big game, because the most important thing is Liverpool winning the game."

Daniel Sturridge: "Before Madrid you had a problem with the situation as well..."

Jamie Carragher: "What was the problem?"

Daniel Sturridge: "The problem was how things were going, 'Oh, we're hearing rumours' and the contract and this and that."

Jamie Carragher: "Daniel, tell me what the problem was. That was just waffle."

Daniel Sturridge: "This is a simple question I have for you. Are you saying you are happy with Trent leaving for free or you want money for him; which one is it? You can't stay on the fence Jamie. You either want him to stay and sign a contract or you want him to leave now and you want money. But you can't have it both ways."

Jamie Carragher: "When did I say I wanted him to be sold now for money? No, stop. When did I say I was unhappy with him going for free? I have never ever said I have a problem with him going for free. I have constantly defended him to other Liverpool fans and on this show, that the lad came for nothing and if he leaves for nothing, there should be no criticism for that.

"In terms of selling him right now, I'm disappointed because I know how transfers work, how football works. He would have known Real Madrid were putting a bid in [for him]. My problem is Liverpool are going for a league title here - it's January and he will have known it will kick up a fuss before a big game."

Daniel Sturridge: "It's the same thing for Salah though! You can't say one thing for Trent, a local lad who should be revered by the fans.

Jamie Carragher: "I criticised Salah.

Daniel Sturridge: "Like yourself, like Steven Gerrard, Trent is one of you guys, someone who's been at the club from the academy.

"He's at a point now where the club have allowed his contract to get to his point, that isn't Trent's fault. So Real Madrid have tested the waters. They might have had a flirt up, that's not a problem."

Jamie Carragher: "My only problem with Trent, if he leaves, it's not anger or upset with him, its disappointment. When we talk about Michael Owen going or Steve McManaman, Liverpool wasn't a top team so, you're going to one of the top teams. My only disappointment is Trent is a local lad, Liverpool fan, equalling Manchester United in league titles, winning a European cup, he could be captain in two or three years and the guy who lifts these trophies.

"Liverpool supporters are disappointed, that's where my disappointment comes from. If you're a Liverpool fan that's where your chance to put the club... if I was in his position that would be my mentality, 'I can put Liverpool in a position where we could win league titles'.

Daniel Sturridge: "So you're saying you want him to stay and you want him to sign a contract?

Jamie Carragher: "Of course."