Gary Neville makes David Beckham comparison when discussing Trent Alexander-Arnold decision

Manchester United legend Gary Neville has compared Trent Alexander-Arnold's current situation to David Beckham as the Liverpool defender remains heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid.

Alexander-Arnold, 25, is yet to sign a contract extension at Liverpool, meaning he could leave his boyhood club for free next summer. Madrid has expressed significant interest in Alexander-Arnold as the club is eager to sign a long-term replacement for right-back Dani Carvajal.

As a one-club man, Alexander-Arnold is well on his way to becoming a Liverpool legend, although should he leave next summer that status could be compromised. Alexander-Arnold is a crucial player for Liverpool and a key part of its recent success under former head coach Jurgen Klopp, but Neville believes the situation is similar to when Beckham left United for Madrid.

Beckham was also a homegrown talent, spending 11 years in the first team after graduating from the United academy. Beckham was keen to explore Europe and left the club at the age of 28, and Neville doesn't believe that Alexander-Arnold should be criticized by Liverpool fans for chasing a similar dream.

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"He (Alexander-Arnold) may feel that his appreciation levels would go up in Europe in certain different types of football (soccer) than they would in this country," Neville said on the latest episode of 'It's Called Soccer!' "He's struggling to break into the England team. That tells you that there's still a question mark over him.

"Arne Slot has taken him off in certain games this season and so did Jurgen Klopp. He's embedded in Liverpool, he's one of their own, but David Beckham was at Manchester United with me and loved Manchester United. His family, his mum and dad, massive United fans. Adored everything about the club. But he wanted to explore. He wanted to explore the world and Europe.

"Does Trent Alexander-Arnold have it in his head? We know he's friends with Jude Bellingham with England, we know he's very close with him. Does he feel like 'Actually I could stay at Liverpool and be a club legend. That's something that will give me great fulfillment. But actually, I want to finish my career having had different experiences and jumping out of the bubble.'"

Several Liverpool fans have made Alexander-Arnold aware that he won't be considered a legend if he leaves at this stage of his career, and former Liverpool defender Carragher has also described why former players Steve McManaman and Michael Owen aren't seen the same after transferring to Madrid. But Neville has urged Alexander-Arnold to be selfish and focus on his own goals.

"I can see why Trent would want to leave. I know Jamie Carragher says that sometimes that's why you're not a club legend if you leave the club," Neville added. "That's why Steven Gerrard is, and he gives examples of players who are not.

"I don't think Trent needs to worry about that. I think what he needs to do is worry about what he wants to do in his career. David Beckham is still a Manchester United legend. He's a legend in Milan, Paris, Madrid, and different parts of the world.

"I know Liverpool is slightly different, but I don't think he should worry about that. I think he should consider what he wants to do. My feeling is, he's probably got that aspiration to explore European football and see how that would treat him."