Jamie Carragher and Daniel Sturridge found themselves entangled in a passionate debate about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future following Liverpool’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Manchester United.

The 26-year-old right-back has been a focal point of transfer speculation, with Real Madrid making an approach earlier this week as Alexander-Arnold’s contract nears its expiration at the end of the season. Whether he will commit to a new deal with his boyhood club has been a hot topic on Merseyside, overshadowing much of the buildup to Sunday’s clash at Anfield.

Unfortunately for Alexander-Arnold, it was an afternoon to forget as he struggled to make an impact for Arne Slot’s side.

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The uncertainty surrounding his future became a central point of discussion in the Sky Sports studio, where Carragher and Sturridge offered contrasting views on the contract saga, leading to a lively exchange of opinions.

"There's sometime frustration from Liverpool supporters [Alexander-Arnold] could leave for free - he came for free, I've got no problem with that" said Carragher. "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."

But Sturridge interjected, saying: "Before Madrid you had a problem with the situation as well," to which Carragher responded: "What was the problem?"

Sturridge added: "The problem was how things were going, 'Oh, we're hearing rumours' and the contract and this and that," but Carragher was having none of it and fired back with: "Daniel, tell me what the problem was. That was just waffle."

"This is a simple question I have for you," Sturridge retaliated. "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!"

Carragher then weighed in with: "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."

Sturridge responded: "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. 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!"