Trent Alexander-Arnold Liverpool contract claim made as 'I can't forget' message sent

Liverpool are closing in on a return to Premier League action as they look to defend their place at the top-flight summit against Chelsea on Sunday. Arne Slot's side sat top of the tree going into the October international break after Diogo Jota's goal was enough to beat Crystal Palace.

Despite the transfer window being shut, the Reds continue to be linked with players across Europe and the rest of the world. However, the current talking point among supporters is the overriding issue of the contract situation regarding Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.

The focus will return to domestic football this weekend, and for Liverpool, the visit of Enzo Maresca's side marks the beginning of a gruelling period. The ECHO has taken a look at some of the latest Liverpool transfer news and gossip that have generated headlines over the last 24 hours.

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Fresh from another standout performance for England, Alexander-Arnold is courting headlines and what the future holds for the Reds full-back continues to dominate. This week, a report from The Athletic suggested that Real Madrid have made the defender a priority over a move in the summer as his contract closes in on the final six months. However, journalist David Lynch has now claimed that Liverpool have a desperation to get a deal to keep the right-back at Anfield done.

Elsewhere, one player who left on a free transfer was Naby Keita. The Guinean's time on Merseyside was plagued with injury after a move, billed with such promise, failed to live up to expectations in one of the few additions under Jurgen Klopp that didn't hit the heights.

Keita's struggles away from Anfield haven't stopped either. The 29-year-old has endured a torrid time back in the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen, despite signing for the club on reduced terms, after falling out of favour.

Irrespective of his struggles, he still remembers his time at Liverpool with fond memories. Keita told The Guardian: "The Liverpool fans have given me a lot of love. Even today, wherever I meet them, they show me the same love.

"They’re the best fans in the world. Liverpool is a family and you never walk alone. My aim was to fulfil my childhood dream of winning titles. Winning the Premier League after 30 years, winning the Champions League – these are incredible moments that I can’t forget.

"We won a lot of trophies and we were able to make our fans happy. That was the most important thing. This team was hungry.

"We wanted to win every game and we were lucky to have Jürgen Klopp to push us to give our best on the pitch. He’s a fantastic coach and he was the strength of this group."