Real Madrid FINALLY make their BIG MOVE for Trent Alexander-Arnold

Liverpool are operating this season under a cloud of considerable contract uncertainty, with Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold all eligible to leave for FREE next summer.

Van Dijk appears closer to pledging his future to the Reds than the other two, with Anfiedwatch confirming earlier this week that his contract extension is all but complete.

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However, Salah continues to attract interest from the Saudi Pro League and did nothing to decrease speculation last week when he remarked that he was more out than in when it came to next season at Liverpool.

Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, has been non-committal on his own future with the homegrown prospect seemingly set to let his contract run out. Like Van Dijk and Salah, the 26-year-old is FREE to speak to potentially interested overseas clubs in a matter of weeks.

Real Madrid tell Liverpool: 'We want Trent'

January 1 marks the day that the high-profile trio will be entitled to open talks with foreign suitors and, potentially, lock down a pre-contract agreement. Real Madrid have been linked most strongly with Alexander-Arnold, with current first-choice right-back Dani Carvajal injured.

Alexander-Arnold would be a long-term replacement for the 32-year-old in the position, whose contract expires in 2026.

It’s been reported by talkSPORT that Real Madrid have now contacted Liverpool to inform them of their intentions to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Can Bradley replace Trent?

Although the situation does not require Madrid to negotiate through club channels given that Trent will be a free agent, it’s suggested that they have done so out of respect for the Reds. Whether this means Trent is off to Madrid remains to be seen.

The Reds overcame Real in the Champions League on Wednesday night at Anfield with Trent an unused substitute. His deputy, 21-year-old Conor Bradley, had a great game, ensuring the Kylian Mbappe left Merseyside disappointed.

Bradley would be a natural long-term replacement for Alexander-Arnold should he leave but Liverpool fans simply want clarity on the matter sooner rather than later.

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