Gary Lineker has joined the debate over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool future by suggesting he would be a “great fit” for Real Madrid and saying a move to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium makes sense.

Another impressive Liverpool performance has been overshadowed by whether their three star players, Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, will sign new contracts.

After Salah suggested a deal is not close following Sunday’s 5-0 win over West Ham, Alexander-Arnold continues to be linked with Real.

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast (listen below), Lineker, the BBC’s Match of the Day presenter, said he believes the Liverpool full-back will leave for Spain.

“It seems to make a lot of sense to me,” said Lineker. “Free transfer is how Real Madrid have done things recently.

“He [Trent] is really close to Jude Bellingham and would fit in there beautifully. He would be a massive success. They wouldn’t focus on his defending critically as we do here – overly in my opinion. It’s a great fit and would be a huge loss for Liverpool, but they have a youngster coming through [Conor Bradley] who has done really well.

“I think it is highly likely that will happen, although I have no inside information whatsoever.”

Liverpool are eight points clear in the Premier League having played one game fewer than second-placed Nottingham Forest. They also lead the new Champions League format.

But Lineker, who left Everton for Barcelona in 1986, says playing for one of the La Liga giants remains the pinnacle for every footballer.

“How do you say no to Real Madrid?” he said. Liverpool is an incredible football club, but a fresh challenge, playing abroad, I did it myself.

“Playing for Real Madrid or Barcelona is truly special. However strong and powerful and rich the Premier League is, the world’s greats still go to Barcelona and Real Madrid. The only exception in recent times is [Erling] Haaland. That aside, they go there.

“He [Alexander-Arnold] will love it there. It will be amazing. They’ll worship and appreciate his passing range. He is in the prime of his career. I wouldn’t begrudge him.”

Liverpool remain in talks with all three soon-to-be-out-of-contract players, none of whom are permitted to negotiate directly or indirectly with other clubs until January 1.