Liverpool's ideal Alexander-Arnold successor is BEGGING Richard Hughes to sign him

Liverpool will soon have a big decision to make because of Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The 26-year-old right-back is the subject of intense transfer interest from Real Madrid.

READ MORE: Why Richard Hughes will complete dream Liverpool deal Michael Edwards never could

FSG and sporting director Richard Hughes opted to decline Madrid’s offer to negotiate for a January transfer, with the Spanish giants making contact just before the window opened.

Their refusal to enter into talks leaves Liverpool vulnerable to Los Blancos seeking to tie Trent down to a pre-contract agreement ahead of a potential summer 2025 free transfer.

It was previously described as Hughes’ ‘priority’ to sort out Alexander-Arnold’s contract but the sporting director has had no success on that front as yet.

Now Liverpool are powerless to prevent talks between Madrid and their homegrown star, meaning potential replacements will need to be sought.

Conor Bradley could end up being the Reds’ long-term option at right-back but there is a chance that the club move for a defender next summer. Among the candidates discussed have been Lutsharel Geertruida, Jeremie Frimpong and Vanderson.

Amar Dedic shines in the Bernabeu

Also mentioned has been Amar Dedic, whose pre-established links with Liverpool might well put him ahead as a candidate to come to the club.

Dedic, 22, plays for Red Bull Salzburg and has been a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season for the Austrian giants.

On Wednesday night he demonstrated his potential at the highest level when his Salzburg side took on Real Madrid in the Champions League at the Bernabeu.

Having to mark Vinicius Junior was a task avoided by Bradley when Madrid visited Anfield earlier this season due to an injury suffered by the Brazilian. But he was back in the lineup on Wednesday, meaning a testing night in store for Bosnia and Herzegovina international Dedic.

Madrid mauled Salzburg, 5-1, but among the wreckage Dedic emerged with credit. He was on hand to provide the assist for Mads Bidstrup, which made it 5-1 on the night, demonstrating that even in the most exacting circumstances he was capable of creating chances.

On the defensive front, Dedic was indeed turned inside out by Vini for his second goal of the night but otherwise held up decently. He won seven of his 10 duels and made five out of five tackles on the night.

Dedic also gave two key passes and completed the only dribble he attempted. As well as that he created THREE chances overall - the most on the night for an overmatched Salzburg.

With Liverpool looking for a right-back - and with Red Bull connections - it could well be that Dedic is the man to come to Anfield to replace Trent.

READ MORE: Arne Slot's Liverpool boasts SCARY weapon no one talks about