Liverpool repelled an attempt by Real Madrid to secure the services of Trent Alexander-Arnold (Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool have repelled an attempt by Real Madrid to secure the services of Trent Alexander-Arnold during the January transfer window.
The Spanish titans are keen on the Reds defender, but Liverpool have no plans to part ways with the player whose contract expires this summer.
Despite Spanish media reports suggesting Alexander-Arnold, 26, is set to join Los Blancos, he has given no such indication to his current club.
The right-back has been in talks with his boyhood team over a new contract at Anfield for several months, and optimism persists that he will extend his stay on Merseyside rather than move to Madrid.
However, Real Madrid are stepping up their search for the England international and are prepared to pay a fee to secure him sooner than expected. This strategy aims to keep him away from Anfield and foil any other clubs who may seek to intervene if contract negotiations fail.
From New Year's Day, Alexander-Arnold is legally allowed to initiate talks with foreign clubs and sign a pre-contract agreement for a summer transfer.
The exact amount Real Madrid are willing to offer remains unknown, as does whether the La Liga champions will take another approach.
The Spanish side are particularly keen to sign Alexander-Arnold this month after a season-ending ACL knee injury suffered by their star right back Dani Carvajal in October.
Liverpool #66 English defender Trent Alexander-Arnold applauds the fans on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on December 22, 2024. Liverpool won the match 6 -3. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online use during the match limited to 120 images. 40 additional images can be used in extension. No video emulation. Use of social networks during the match limited to 120 images. 40 additional images can be used in extension. No use in betting posts, games or single club/league/player posts. / (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has praised Alexander-Arnold, Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk for their focus amid ongoing contract negotiations.
Despite their contracts expiring this summer, the trio have played a pivotal role in Liverpool's impressive season, with the Reds now favorites for the Premier League title and progressing smoothly into the Champions League, not to mention a half -Carabao Cup final on the horizon.
However, the resolve of these three players is set to be tested with a bid from one club to secure their services before the end of the season.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1994880/liverpool-reject-real-madrid-s-january-bid-trent-alexander-arnold