Alexander-Arnold urged 'tone down' ego as pundit warns fans will TURN on Liverpool favourite

ESPN Journalist Mark Ogden has warned Trent Alexander-Arnold over the consequences that could occur if his contract situation doesn't get sorted imminently.

Ogden has insisted Alexander-Arnold and Liverpool need to 'tone down their egos' in what is turning out as a 'game of chess' regarding the defender's contract situation.

The 25 year-old has entered his final year on his current contract and despite Ogden beliveing his inclination is to stay at Anfield, Alexander-Arnold is reportedly attracted by the idea of playing in La Liga for Real Madrid.

READ MORE: Conor Bradley ready for Trent Alexander-Arnold fight

"It’s a game of chess going on right now with Trent and Liverpool. His inclination is to stay at Liverpool but he’s attracted by the idea of going to La Liga.

"It’s maybe 60:40 of him staying. Liverpool want him to stay but don’t want to make him the highest paid player.

"The problem Liverpool have is they don’t want to leave it too long because if it gets to January, Trent can talk to foreign clubs over a free agent move in the summer," Ogden said on ESPN.

Ogden touched on the close relationship the Liverpool fans have with their players and manager, and warns Alexander-Arnold that fans will begin to turn on him, similar to Steve McManaman, if he doesn't show loyalty to his boyhood club.

"Liverpool can’t afford to lose one of their best homegrown player for nothing.

"They’ve had it before with Steve McManaman, different circumstances but a similar scenario whereby the fans began to turn on Macca because they felt as a homegrown player he should have been more loyal to the club and I think that will happen with Trent.

"I think both sides have got to tone down the ego a little bit and dial it down to try and find a way. It's not looking good," Ogden added.

Trent's value to Liverpool has continued to show this season

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been one of Liverpool's biggest contributors to their recent successes under Jurgen Klopp and the 25 year-old has continued to show this season why Liverpool must keep the England international.

The defender has been instrumental in Liverpool's opening two wins of the new Premier League campaign dictating play from wide with his supreme passing ability.

His ability to unlock teams with one ball as proven with Diogo Jota's opener against Ipswich on the opening weekend of the new season is why Liverpool can't afford to let their homegrown talent depart Anfield as a free agent next summer.