Liverpool has been told that Malo Gusto would be a "very interesting" option as a possible replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, should the right-back end up leaving Anfield at the end of the season.

Alexander-Arnold is out of contract in a little over six months' time, and it is no secret that Real Madrid is interested in signing the England international on a free transfer next summer.

The 26-year-old has had little to say in public about where he wants to be playing next season and beyond, but will be permitted to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January 1 onwards.

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Thankfully for Arne Slot, Liverpool has an excellent back-up in reserve in the young Northern Irishman Conor Bradley, but former Reds midfielder Danny Murphy thinks it would be unfair to expect him to fill an Alexander-Arnold-shaped void.

"In terms of replacing him, obviously they’ve got Conor Bradley there who’s a fantastic young full-back who has different attributes but still looks a wonderful player," Murphy told My Betting Sites. "I think it would be unfair to think he can walk into the team and fill Trent’s boots, week in and week out.

“I think if Trent was to leave, they’d have to dip into the transfer market and get someone in to share that role or compete with Conor Bradley for that role, or take over it. Not that I don’t have belief in Conor Bradley but he’s only just started establishing himself in the squad. I think they’d already be planning for it, if he does go.

“Malo Gusto would be a very interesting option but I don’t see how Chelsea would let him go. The biggest compliment you can pay to Gusto is that not many people have talked about Reece James’ absence any more.

“Gusto has impressed me. I’ve seen him live twice this season and four-five times on television. I think he’s got that lovely balance of being really good going forward, getting in great attacking areas, good delivery and one-on-one defending.”

“He’d be perfect but I don’t see Chelsea letting it happen where he walks out of the door and joins their competitors. But with PSR rules and the way football is now, you never know.”