Trent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly inching closer to the Bernabeu, as the Liverpool right-back continues to ignore contract offers to push a move to Real Madrid.
The defender has been at the Reds since 2004, breaking into the first team in 2016 and quickly becoming a fan favourite with his pinpoint crosses and dangerous set pieces.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid is nearing completion, according to a report
The defender has won the lot at the Anfield club, including the Champions League in 2019
He has also started to break into the England side after regularly being frozen out in the past
The publication says: ‘Alexander-Arnold has one foot in Real Madrid. Trent continues to ignore Liverpool’s offers to renew and answer Madrid’s calls… that yes, he wants to go to the Bernabeu. That he has no doubts.
‘And optimism is growing. Everything is agreed, pending the signature (with which the way will be clear from January 1). Countdown.’
The report suggests Real’s urgency to sign the star has ramped up in recent weeks in light of Dani Carvjal’s injury woes and age – he turns 33 next month – and Lucas Vazquez’s unconvincing performances filling in at full-back.
Alexander-Arnold is first choice, with Tottenham’s Pedro Porro believed to be a back-up, and the good relationship between the clubs dictated that Los Blancos informed Liverpool in decent time and there were no issues.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men are now hopeful they can secure the signing of the right back in January
Marca on Saturday suggested that Alexander-Arnold had told the Reds he wanted to leave
It has been reported that the Englishman will leave in the summer not in January out of respect
The right-back will, however, choose to delay his move until the summer out of respect for his boyhood side, a decision Real are thought to respect.
The latest stride forward in negotiations comes after Alexander-Arnold reportedly informed Liverpool that he wants to leave the club to join the Spanish giants, according to Marca’s front page this Saturday.
The report claims that Real are prepared to discuss terms when the transfer window opens, but notes that the Reds would rather he left as a free agent in the summer than for a fee next month.
The 26-year-old is set to become a free agent when his deal expires at the end of the season
Alexander-Arnold has consistently been linked with a move to Ancelotti’s side this season – and is close with Jude Bellingham
He has registered four Premier League assists this season as Arne Slot’s side have stormed to the top of the table
The only way they would be able to get a fee for Alexander-Arnold is by selling him in the forthcoming transfer window but the prospects of that happening are almost non-existent.
Real do, though, see the prolonged contract talks as a chance to get him for free.
Arne Slot has led his side to 22 wins, three draws and one loss in his first 26 games in charge
Mohamed Salah has been in exceptional form of late and his contract is also up in the summer
Virgil van Dijk, meanwhile, will be free to talk to other clubs from January as his deal nears end