Real Madrid's NEW plan could finally win them Trent Alexander-Arnold

Liverpool aren't going to like Real Madrid's new plan to land Trent Alexander-Arnold. It will hit the Reds hard.

It is the worst-kept secret in football that Real Madrid hope to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer. The Scouser's deal at Liverpool expires this summer and there is remarkably little news about a new one.

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Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk find themselves in similar positions, of course. Both publicly talk about their contract situation when asked, however, and there's a clear sense that they want to renew.

With Alexander-Arnold, it's the opposite. Liverpool simply don't have the same qualms about renewing his contract as with the other two - he's in his prime, whereas they're comfortably into their 30s.

And so the lack of a new contract suggests it's from the player's side. That then suggests his head has been turned.

Enter Real Madrid.

Los Blancos actually tried to sign Alexander-Arnold in the winter window. They kicked it off with a small offer - one that Liverpool rightly rejected.

They clearly believe they can sign him. The usual wave of reports from the Spanish press suggets so, too, with Alexander-Arnold getting the usual charm offensive from Madrid.

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But why would he want to leave? Liverpool are at the top of the Premier League and look like UEFA Champions League contenders. It's his boyhood club and one that loves him back.

It's also one where he's settled and playing in a team that knows how to make the most of his strengths and cover his weaknesses. That's something few clubs can offer - but Real Madrid might have found a way to provide it.

Real Madrid's grand plan

The Daily Mail is adamant that Real Madrid want to sign Ibrahima Konate. Florentino Perez is keen on the Frenchman and they'd like to take advantage of his own contract situation.

Konate's deal expires in 2026, meaning he's about to enter the final year. It puts Liverpool in a difficult position - do they gamble on a renewal or sell while they still can?

But that's not the only difficulty here. In signing Konate, Real Madrid would provide Alexander-Arnold with a security blanket.

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He's the right-sided centre-back at Liverpool - the one who plays next to Alexander-Arnold and covers for him. It's a way for Real Madrid to make him feel more at home and a lot more comfortable with his game.

And from their perspective, here's a defender who knows exactly how to play with the attack-minded vice-captain of Liverpool. Honestly, it makes absolute sense - unfortunately.

Real Madrid are pulling out all the stops to sign Alexander-Arnold and it appears they may now do the same with Konate. Liverpool are up against it here if they want to keep two of their biggest stars.

Two of the stars who, if all went to plan, would carry them into this next era.

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