Speculation continues over a potential move to Real Madrid for Trent Alexander-Arnold - although it seems Dani Carvajal isn’t ready to give up his spot at right-back just yet.

Alexander-Arnold’s future at Liverpool remains up in the air, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season. He is, of course, in the same boat as Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, with the Reds facing losing three of their biggest names if negotiations break down.

While Liverpool remains in discussions with all three, it faces a fight to keep hold of Alexander-Arnold’s services, with the 26-year-old the subject of intense interest from the Bernabeu. Real has already seen one bid turned down before the January transfer window even opened, while reports have suggested that the Spanish giant is in talks over a potential free transfer in the summer.

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The latest claims, though, may give Liverpool fans some encouragement, with Sky Sports in Switzerland reporting that Real is "angry" that negotiations with Alexander-Arnold have slowed in recent weeks. The defending European champions are said to have already reached out to Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich as a "plan B," although Alexander-Arnold remains the priority.

Following on from those reports, Carvajal looks to have indicated that he won’t be giving up his spot at right-back without a fight.

The 33-year-old has been out since October after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament, with his absence enhancing Real’s pursuit of Alexander-Arnold recently. Carvajal is expected to miss the remainder of this season, although he has vowed to come back strongly - even if the Liverpool vice-captain is at the Bernabeu by that point.

"I'm really doing well, making progress day by day,” he said on his recovery while speaking at the annual gala of the Madrid Sports Press Association (via Marca). “I'm on an excellent recovery path. Without too many setbacks, which is the most important thing.

"Imagine, you feel like a footballer when you're out on the pitch. But enjoying the recovery process is what it is all about. I have to recover well and try to be back as soon as possible."

Asked whether he would return at the same level as before his injury, Carvajal confidently responded: "I have no doubt."

Liverpool.com says: Given all the Alexander-Arnold speculation flying around, it is easy to forget that Real does already have an excellent right-back, albeit one that is out injured at the moment and likely in the twilight of his career.

Still, Carvajal has every reason to be confident about his comeback, given he was in good form last season, and it is a reminder to Alexander-Arnold that, if he does make a move to the Bernabeu, he will have to be at the top of his game or risk losing his place in the side.