LIVERPOOL have opened talks with Conor Bradley over a new five-year contract.
Arne Slot has earmarked the Northern Irish defender as the most likely long-term replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is expected to leave for Real Madrid at the end of the season.
Bradley only signed his previous contract 15 months ago, but the club are keen to tie him down long-term given the uncertainty of Alexander-Arnold’s future.
The 21-year-old’s current contract expires in 2027 and he is understood to be eager to sign an extended deal until 2030.
It’s reported Bradley earns £10,000 per week on his current deal.
Liverpool’s new offer is understood to be worth around £75,000-a-week.
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That would put Bradley on a par with more experienced first-team players in Slot’s squad.
With both parties aligned in principle, an agreement could be reached before the end of the season.
Alexander-Arnold, Mo Salah and Virgil Van Dijk could leave Anfield on free transfers at the end of the season, which would be a huge blow for the club.
Alexander-Arnold is expected to leave for Madrid, who had a £20million bid for him rejected by Liverpool in January.
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But the Reds are hopeful that Salah and Van Dijk can be persuaded to stay.
Bradley’s emergence as an alternative at right-back could soften the blow of Alexander-Arnold’s anticipated departure.
Following an impressive season on loan at League One Bolton during the 2022/23 campaign, he established himself as an important squad player under Jurgen Klopp last year.
Bradley made 23 appearances and started Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea.
Slot has continued to back Bradley this season, giving him 22 games already.
The Dutch manager has been rewarded with a series of impressive performances, including a mature marking job on Kylian Mbappe in Liverpool’s 2-0 Champions League win over Real Madrid in November.
Liverpool declined to comment.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
