Pundit fears Liverpool star could join Real Madrid this summer

Pundit Tony Cascarino has shared his Trent Alexander-Arnold theory that will concern many, if not all, Liverpool supporters.

After making his debut in the Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur back in October 2016, the right-back quickly became a mainstay for the Reds and was a key reason for the team's success under the Jurgen Klopp regime.

However, with his contract expiring in 2025 it has been speculated that the England international might opt to leave Liverpool to seek a new challenge and it’s known that Real Madrid are interested where he'd become club teammates with close friend Jude Bellingham if a deal ever materialised.

If the Reds were willing to consider offers for the 25-year-old then this summer's transfer window represents the last chance to command a decent transfer fee, otherwise they risk losing one of the best right-backs in the world for nothing in 12 months time.

And this is partly the reason why Cascarino believes a move to Real Madrid could happen "really quickly" and is also of the opinion that Alexander-Arnold's future should be at the very top of new Liverpool head coach Arne Slot's to-do-list.

Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid could happen 'really quickly'

"Trent is the big one for me," he said on talkSPORT. "He's in his final year, he's an at age where he can easily end up in Madrid really quickly and I'd be concerned about that one.

"I think Slot will have to convince him to stay at Liverpool because he's such an important player.

"Arne Slot has got a decision on where he is going to play Trent because the young lad (Conor) Bradley did very well. Will he be a right-back for him, or will he see him as a midfielder? These are the decisions that managers have to be challenged on."

Having said that, the good news for Liverpool fans is that Alexander-Arnold is looking forward to working under Slot as he spoke positively about the Dutchman replacing Klopp just last month.

Although until a new contract is signed, speculation over his future will continue to rumble on and that may prove to be somewhat of a distraction if there is no resolution before the start of the season.