Liverpool have rejected an approach from Real Madrid for defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is entering the final months of his current contract.
The Spanish giants made an informal approach for the 26-year-old England international, though no formal offer was submitted.
Reports from Spain suggest Alexander-Arnold has expressed his desire to switch Anfield for the Santiago Bernabeau.
The right-back is one of three key Liverpool players, alongside Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, whose contracts are set to expire in the summer.
All three players are currently in discussions over new deals at Anfield.
Real Madrid will be free to open direct negotiations with Alexander-Arnold from January 1 regarding a potential pre-contract agreement.
However, Liverpool have shown no interest in losing the player whilst in the midst of their Premier League title challenge.
The club's stance remains firm despite having three core players from their successful period under Jurgen Klopp approaching the end of their contracts.
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Liverpool have maintained impressive form in both the Premier League and Champions League, despite the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Alexander-Arnold, Salah and van Dijk.
Speaking to Sky Sports in December, Alexander-Arnold addressed speculation about his future at Liverpool.
"I have been at the club 20 years now, I have signed four or five contract extensions and none of those have been played out in public - and this one won't be either," he said.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher criticised the latest development over both the timing and tactics behind Real Madrid's approach.
"The most important thing Liverpool in 2025 is winning the Premier League," Carragher said.
"No one's contract or future should come in the way of that!"
Carragher suggested the approach was strategically timed, stating: "I love Trent as a lad and a player, but his team would've told Real Madrid to bid and also wouldve known Liverpool would turn it down."
He added: "It's to try and cover themselves when he leaves for free.
"Again its something the club/fans dont need with a huge game coming up."
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The Spanish giants made an informal approach for the 26-year-old England international, though no formal offer was submitted.
Reports from Spain suggest Alexander-Arnold has expressed his desire to switch Anfield for the Santiago Bernabeau.
The right-back is one of three key Liverpool players, alongside Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, whose contracts are set to expire in the summer.
All three players are currently in discussions over new deals at Anfield.
Real Madrid will be free to open direct negotiations with Alexander-Arnold from January 1 regarding a potential pre-contract agreement.
However, Liverpool have shown no interest in losing the player whilst in the midst of their Premier League title challenge.
The club's stance remains firm despite having three core players from their successful period under Jurgen Klopp approaching the end of their contracts.
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Liverpool have maintained impressive form in both the Premier League and Champions League, despite the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Alexander-Arnold, Salah and van Dijk.
Speaking to Sky Sports in December, Alexander-Arnold addressed speculation about his future at Liverpool.
"I have been at the club 20 years now, I have signed four or five contract extensions and none of those have been played out in public - and this one won't be either," he said.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher criticised the latest development over both the timing and tactics behind Real Madrid's approach.
"The most important thing Liverpool in 2025 is winning the Premier League," Carragher said.
"No one's contract or future should come in the way of that!"
Carragher suggested the approach was strategically timed, stating: "I love Trent as a lad and a player, but his team would've told Real Madrid to bid and also wouldve known Liverpool would turn it down."
He added: "It's to try and cover themselves when he leaves for free.
"Again its something the club/fans dont need with a huge game coming up."
Find Out More...