Trent Alexander-Arnold's future cannot be ignored as his contract at Liverpool continues to run down. With Real Madrid adjusting their scopes to snag the deal of the year, the Reds are going to have to be prepared for all eventualities.

The 26-year-old captained Liverpool during Saturday's FA Cup third round tie with Accrington Stanley. Not only that, but a true captain's performance saw him net a fine first-half goal before being awarded man of the match.

Not even a week prior the mood was much frostier at Anfield as he experienced one of his worst outings in a Reds' shirt for quite some time against Manchester United. It did not help that was directly after an approach from Real Madrid to sign him this January - the latest twist in a contract renewal saga currently engulfing what otherwise would be a joyful season.

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Liverpool turned down that unexpected attempt from Madrid, unprepared to lose their vice-captain midway through the season. The club are still hopeful of keeping hold of Alexander-Arnold as negotiations continue over an extension.

But the reality of the situation is Alexander-Arnold is now eligible to negotiate with foreign clubs to sign a pre-contract agreement instead of sticking with his boyhood club.

Added to that, there is no guarantee that Madrid do not pile on pressure before the January window is up. Their heavy Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona on Sunday exposed their desperate need for a right back.

Now Sky Sports in France claim that the 'probable departure' of Alexander-Arnold has forced his club to create a contingency and protect their own interests.

They write that Anfield chiefs are in 'direct contact' with the agents of Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich. The 29-year-old has been linked before, is also out of contract in the summer and able to play the same position or provide midfield cover.

This 'high-level' alternative can therefore be secured for free at the end of the season, although the report even suggests the club would be willing to pay €25m (£20.9m) this January in the event they cave into selling their academy favourite.