The Jude Bellingham mind games may have already begun after Real Madrid launched a transfer offensive to sign Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Reds rejected Madrid's approach on Tuesday as the La Liga giants looked to land the full-back before his contract expires this summer.

Los Blancos have been long-standing suitors for the 26-year-old, with his contract at Anfield edging towards its conclusion in the last 18 months. The Real star has struck a friendship with the Liverpool defender following their time together in the England international set-up.

During the 20-year-old's own transfer saga - prior to his move to the Spanish capital - Liverpool were among the clubs interested in his signature with Alexander-Arnold best-placed to play special agent in the matter, ultimately to no avail. And a mid-season reunion has been rebuffed.

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News broke of the Reds refusal to entertain an approach from the Spanish and European champions at 5pm on December 31 ahead of Liverpool's match with Manchester United on Sunday, as they look to create clear daylight with their Premier League title rivals. During that time, Bellingham posted a series of Instagram stories celebrating a successful 2024.

Coincidental as it might be, four hours after his previous story, and within an hour of news that Real had suffered a set-back in their Alexander-Arnold interest, he shared a snap sitting with the five trophies that he'd won with Frank Sinatra's 'It Was A Good Year' playing over.

Madrid's interest comes a matter of days after the Liverpool full-back shared a defiant message in light of reports that he had expressed his intention to the Reds that he wanted to leave. Alexander-Arnold celebrated a goal with the talking gesture after netting during the 5-0 win over West Ham United.

Speaking after the Hammers rout, head coach Arne Slot displayed no signs of concern despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Alexander-Arnold and their two other contract issues - surrounding Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. "Not on the inside, but on the outside, it definitely does because people talk more about it," said the Dutchman.

"Not only about these three but also about other players. So it will also be about the ones we bring in or ones who could also leave.

"I don't think it's negative at all. He's playing really well, he scored a great goal and the way he celebrated probably tells you enough.

"I don't think I have to say too much about it. I'm really happy with Trent, as I am with Mo and Virgil.

"For me, there's no difference. Maybe there is more happening in the media [with Trent] than the other two, but I'm really happy with the three."