Trent Alexander-Arnold faces a fight to become Real Madrid's first-choice right-back if he moves to the Spanish capital this summer. Alexander-Arnold is in the final six months of his contract at Liverpool and is yet to sign an extension beyond the end of this season.

Madrid are currently without a recognised right-sided defender, as their young central defender, Raul Asencio, is deputising in that position due to the absence of Dani Carvajal. Lucas Vazquez has also filled in there this season but previously predominantly played as a winger.

Carvajal has spent three months on the sidelines after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament, external collateral ligament and popliteus tendon in his right leg. The 33-year-old has now spoken about the situation and revealed he believes he will be able to return to the same standard he was playing at before his injury.

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"I have no doubt," he told Spanish publication Marca. "I'm really doing well, making progress day by day. I'm on an excellent recovery path. Without too many setbacks, which is the most important thing."

Carvajal then continued: "Enjoying the recovery process is what it is all about. I have to recover well and try to be back as soon as possible."

As reported by the ECHO last month, Liverpool rejected an approach from Real to sign Alexander-Arnold permanently in January. The La Liga club made their first official move in their pursuit of the full-back by contacting the club’s hierarchy on New Year’s Eve.

However, an attempt to seal a deal was immediately rebuffed. The ECHO now understands that Liverpool are not expecting Real to return with a fresh attempt to sign the England international before the next Monday's deadline.

The ECHO reported on Friday that Liverpool have made it clear they were not interested in selling Alexander-Arnold this month. Although Real remain strong favourites to sign the player on a free transfer in the summer.