Liverpool is waiting anxiously to discover Trent Alexander-Arnold's decision, with Real Madrid now formally able to negotiate and clearly interested in striking a deal with the full-back. But amid all the doom and gloom, there are some reasons for hope — not least the Spanish giant's emerging links with Diogo Dalot of Manchester United, a move which could come with a secondary benefit for the Reds too.

According to "i" News, Real Madrid is planning a $62m (£50m) bid for Dalot this month. With Dani Carvajal out for the season, it is keen on an immediate solution.

To that end, an inquiry has been made about Alexander-Arnold, but Liverpool has showed absolutely no interest in selling the 26-year-old in January. And with "uncertainty" continuing to reign when it comes to the Anfield star's long-term intentions, Real Madrid could switch targets, banking on a greater willingness to sell at Man United.

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It has always seemed likely that Real Madrid would be the one suitor capable of turning Alexander-Arnold's head. The presence of Jude Bellingham only increases the allure, given the pair's close friendship.

Having said that, the Liverpool star's recent celebration implied that all is not as it seems, hinting that claims he has decided on a move to the Spanish capital may be premature. And if Real Madrid is seriously considering alternatives, it has surely not received any iron-clad assurances from the player's camp.

But if Carlo Ancelotti's side were to drop out of the running, Alexander-Arnold's mind would surely be made up for him. It's hard to see him turning his back on Liverpool for any other destination.

Clearly, Alexander-Arnold is far better and more complete than Dalot, even accounting for the fact that the Portugal talent is something of a bright spark in a hopeless Manchester United side. But Los Blancos could be forgiven for favoring immediacy, with both of its full-back solutions currently somewhat makeshift in a tight La Liga race.

On the right, Ancelotti has cycled through various options, including Lucas Vazquez and Federico Valverde. Ferland Mendy typically plays on the left, but he is 29 now, and midfielder Eduardo Camavinga was pressed into action there in the recent win over Sevilla (albeit that particular solution has been commonplace and quite effective over the past couple of campaigns).

Dalot would be a handy fix in that he is capable of playing on either side. He could fill the immediate Carvajal void for the remainder of the season, but would present another more long-term option on the left as well, where he has amassed over 50 career appearances.

And that could clear the way for Liverpool to make a move for Alphonso Davies. Like Alexander-Arnold, he is out of contract in the summer, and Anfield has recently been mentioned as a plausible destination.

According to The Mail, Davies is on a shortlist of three at Liverpool as Arne Slot eyes a successor to Andy Robertson. The Bayern Munich star's stock has not quite continued on its meteoric rise following an initial flurry of excitement, but there's no denying that it would be an intriguing move, particularly on a free transfer.

Previously, Real Madrid has been mentioned as the likeliest destination. But it's claimed that interest at the Bernabeu has somewhat cooled — and the addition of Dalot as another option could cement that stance.

There are other good options on the left for Liverpool, with Milos Kerkez and Antonee Robinson name-checked as alternative targets. But a Real Madrid transfer that secured Alexander-Arnold's future at Anfield and paved the way for the arrival of Davies at the same time would be a welcome boost indeed.

Liverpool.com says: Real Madrid has never been shy of hoarding talent, and Dalot cannot play both full-back roles at once. It would not be especially surprising for the La Liga club to sign the Man United star and Davies, and maybe even Alexander-Arnold for good measure.

Having said that, a big-money move for Dalot in January would feel significant. Florentino Perez likes to splash the cash, but is rarely rash, and would not sanction a $62m outlay for a six-month solution.

Meanwhile, 24-year-old Davies could be a long-term answer for Liverpool. He would certainly arrive with plenty to prove in terms of fitting into Slot's system, but it would be an exciting move.