REAL MADRID have made it clear that they want to sign Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, according to reports.
The Spanish giants are set to swoop for the Reds full-back, whose Anfield deal expires next summer.
With Alexander-Arnold’s contract winding down, Real Madrid will be free to begin negotiating a pre-contract with the full-back.
According to talkSPORT, however, the reigning LaLiga champions have informed Liverpool of their intention to sign their academy graduate, in a bid to be respectful.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side view Alexander-Arnold as a long-term successor to Dani Carvajal at right-back.
Carvajal, 32, remains at the Bernabeu club but suffered an ACL injury last month.
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Liverpool still hope to convince Alexander-Arnold to pen a new deal to stay at Anfield.
But Real Madrid chiefs believe that they can lure the England star to Spain.
One factor in their favour could be Alexander-Arnold’s friendship with Jude Bellingham.
The pair have developed a close bond during various England camps.
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Alexander-Arnold has made 325 appearances for his boyhood club since debuting in 2016.
He has played a major role in winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and two League Cups.
The full-back has remained a key man under new boss Arne Slot, but is currently sidelined by a hamstring injury suffered earlier this month against Aston Villa.
Alexander-Arnold could return from his lay-off against Manchester City on Sunday.
Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are also set to be out of contract at the end of the season.
Salah, 32, even admitted last weekend that he was “more out than in” at Anfield.
The Egyptian claims to have not yet been made an offer by the Reds.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
