Real Madrid have reportedly finally conceded defeat in their hope of signing Trent Alexander-Arnold during the January transfer window. A report in Spain claims the LaLiga outfit are now unlikely to secure the signature of the full-back this month - but they still remain confident of completing his free summer signing, believing he will not sign a new Liverpool contract in the meantime.

Whilst the Reds maintain their fight for silverware on all four fronts, Alexander-Arnold's unresolved contract continues to take up a share of the spotlight. It is now five-and-a-half months until his current deal expires at Anfield, with suitors Real Madrid currently able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement.

It was the La Liga giants' hope that they could seal a move this January as they made an approach to Liverpool just before the transfer window opened. Amid an injury crisis, they would have been willing to pay a fee now to secure their top target.

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But Liverpool rejected the bid - with their own goals for the season, Arne Slot's side cannot afford to lose a player of such importance. According to Spanish outlet Relevo, they have come to terms with this fact.

The call has been made to stand down, with Carlo Ancelotti going to have to come up with alternative means of fielding a balanced team. Apparently Lucas Vazquez, Fede Valverde and Raul Asencio are the three most likely to plug the gap for now.

Though 'barring any unexpected turn of events', the report claims, Alexander-Arnold will ditch Liverpool and 'join forces' with Real Madrid over the summer. It is also stated that Anfield chiefs will continue to push for a contract renewal right until the very last second.

After the New Years' Eve attempt, reports stated the player had been offered a £300k-per-week contract to stay put for the next five years.

Madrid are going to be competing in this summer's revamped FIFA Club World Cup, which takes place slap bang in the middle of the 2025 summer transfer window between June 15 and July 13.

This latest report explains the Spanish outfit hope that the full-back will make the move on July 1, then along with a fit-again Dani Carvajal join up with the club in the United States for the closing stages of the tournament.