Liverpool 'in contact' over Real Madrid transfer as Trent Alexander-Arnold plan changes

The penultimate international break of the season starts next week, so the speculation surrounding the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold is inevitably growing again. Liverpool's vice-captain will join the England squad again over the next fortnight.

Alexander-Arnold, 26, spending time with Jude Bellingham on the national team does little to dampen rumours regarding a move to Real Madrid. Their heavy losses in consecutive home matches against AC Milan and Barcelona will only likely intensify Spanish media sources' interest in the Reds right-back.

Lucas Vazquez's struggles in both games deputising for Dani Carvajal have highlighted the issue Carlo Ancelotti has in that position with his current squad. That has already led to Alexander-Arnold's name resurfacing in the media this week. With that in mind, the ECHO looks at some of the headlines around Liverpool at the moment.

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Alexander-Arnold 'obsession'

Marca claims that Alexander-Arnold is now necessary for Madrid in light of their recent results. Right-back is now considered a priority position to reinforce as soon as the January transfer window rather than waiting until the summer as originally planned.

However, they acknowledge that it will be difficult to bring forward a move in the new year, with the Reds having no intention of selling any of their out-of-contract players. The club is said to have spent recent weeks considering what could be done in the winter window to improve their fortunes, but the only right-back Marca mentions is Alexander-Arnold.

Reds 'contact' £50m star

Madrid could use Aurelien Tchouameni as a bargaining chip, as Sky Sport in Switzerland reports that the Reds contacted the player's entourage earlier this month regarding a possible transfer. They are said to be open to selling the midfielder in the new year and ready to receive offers.

It is claimed that Madrid would want £50million (€60m) for Tchouameni, which would be less than the reported £68.3m (€80M) plus (£17m) €20m in add-ons they paid Monaco two years ago. Liverpool showed interest in the player then, with some claims the player had also agreed a deal in principle with the Reds before choosing Madrid over Merseyside.