Liverpool REJECT Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold approach

Liverpool have REFUSED a Real Madrid approach to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold on a permanent deal in the January transfer window.

The Reds refused to enter into any talks with the Spanish club, who had their efforts to sign Trent this winter rebuffed according to the Times reporter Paul Joyce.

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Alexander-Arnold, 26, is out of contract in summer 2025 and the 15-time European champions are now expected to enter talks with the player directly over a free transfer.

Madrid had been hoping to land the England international on a cut-price deal this January as injuries have left them severely depleted in the right-back department.

Real Madrid's right-back predicament

First-choice Dani Carvajal is out for the season after suffering an ACL injury in October and makeshift option Lucas Vazquez has struggled in the position.

Accordingly, Real wanted to draft Trent in and pay Liverpool a fee for his services this January.

Joyce reports that Florentino Perez's side had their approach knocked back on Tuesday with Trent now able to speak to potentially interested overseas clubs from Wednesday, January 1.

"The conversation did not reach the stage at which numbers were mentioned, with Liverpool offering no encouragement to Real," Joyce reports.

He also adds that the chances of Trent leaving in January are apparently killed off but there is still a possibility of him leaving at the end of his contract.

Spanish media claims deal almost done

The report also adds that the club's hierarchy have been in discussion with Trent's camp over the past few months and have yet to receive any indication that he will leave in summer.

Refusing an approach at this stage represents a calculated gamble from Fenway Sports Group, who will be hoping the right-back can lead them to another Premier League and Champions League title.

Alexander-Arnold has been in terrific form this season under Arne Slot, scoring his first goal of the campaign last weekend against West Ham.

His celebration of that goal hinted at him being aware of constant speculation regarding his future with Spanish media claiming last weekend that a deal with Madrid was effectively wrapped up.

The player took advantage of a few days off by jetting off to Venice on Monday.

Liverpool are back in action on January 5 against Manchester United.

EXCLUSIVE: Trent Alexander-Arnold gave Liverpool REJECTION warning