Michael Owen believes Real Madrid held talks with Trent Alexander-Arnold before the Liverpool vice-captain entered the final six months of his contract. Players on expiring deals can only negotiate with overseas clubs from 1 January.

Owen claimed that was the case after the Reds rejected Madrid's approach to sign Alexander-Arnold during the winter transfer window. The Spanish side contacted Liverpool on New Year's Day hours before they were officially allowed to discuss a pre-contract agreement with the player.

As a Reds academy graduate who joined Madrid from his boyhood club, Owen responded to the news involving two former teams. The pundit has been vocal over recent weeks about Alexander-Arnold's situation.

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In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he wrote: "The very fact that Real Madrid have now made their intentions clear towards signing Trent Alexander Arnold leads me to believe that it's only a matter of time before he signs for them. If he was going to sign a contract extension, Madrid wouldn't have officially made their move. Secretive talks will have taken place. Huge news."

Minutes later, Owen's former teammate Jamie Carragher reacted to the news. "The most important thing for Liverpool in 2025 is winning the Premier League," he posted on the same social media platform.

"No one's contract or future should come in the way of that! I love Trent as a lad and a player, but his team would've told Real Madrid to bid and also would've known Liverpool would turn it down.

"It's to try and cover themselves when he leaves for free. Again, it's something the club and fans don't need with a huge game coming up."

Liverpool host Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday in their first match of the year. The Reds ended 2024 eight points clear atop the Premier League table with a game in hand over their title race rivals.