Trent Alexander-Arnold contract latest as Real Madrid 'not only club interested' in Liverpool ace

Trent Alexander-Arnold has always insisted that talks about a new Liverpool contract would take place behind the scenes and would be completed behind closed doors.

But with 33 days left until January, when the Reds' vice-captain will be free to speak with clubs abroad about a free transfer move at the end of the campaign when his current contract is set to expire as things stand, Liverpool would ideally accelerate things. Losing the number 66 for nothing would be a major blow and reaching 2025 without a breakthrough would only see the speculation increase.

According to The Athletic, Real Madrid is not the only foreign side eyeing a move for Alexander-Arnold. Right now, there is no clear outcome with staying and leaving both options on the table. As well as the Spanish giant, it would easy to see Bayern Munich, Barcelona or PSG coming to the table with an offer if Liverpool doesn't manage to tie him down.

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Liverpool needs to sort out new deals for Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk before the end of current season if the trio are to be retained. If agreements are not reached, they will each leave without bringing in a transfer fee.

"If Trent leaves Liverpool in the summer, the club would be absolutely fine with their replacements as they’ve got Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez, who are both great players," Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson told Paddy Power this week.

"Bradley has done well, and that’s because he’s playing with plenty of freedom. Unfortunately for him, he knows that when Trent is back from injury, he’ll go straight into the team, meaning that Bradley isn’t under any pressure when he plays."

Liverpool.com says: Signing Alexander-Arnold up to a new contract is a no-brainer given his age and quality. His best years could still be ahead of him, which is hugely exciting.

The chance to join Real Madrid might not come around again — and that is by far the likeliest destination for him if he does leave — but staying at Liverpool should be hugely appealing too. Right now, the Reds are the best team in Europe and are the favorites for the Premier League and the Champions League.