Real Madrid speak out on Trent Alexander-Arnold as Liverpool's £20m bid expected

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti dodged questions about his interest in Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold during a press conference on Thursday.

Despite rumors circulating after an investigation was dismissed a few days ago, Liverpool remain firm in their intention to keep the 26-year-old England right-back, whose contract is coming to an end this summer.

Even rumors of Real Madrid preparing a potentially unsuccessful second £20m bid have done little to dampen Liverpool's resolve.

Ancelotti remained tight-lipped on potential January signings: “It's difficult for me to talk about it in this context. But we'll have to wait and see.

“We are focused on all these matches in January and tomorrow's (against Valencia) and I have nothing more to say. It is not reasonable for me to talk about the market at the moment.

“I’m not going to talk about it because this is not the place to talk about it.

“We'll see what happens, but I have a great team. We have injuries and problems, but we are also able to overcome them.”

Madrid reportedly hit a brick wall in their initial approach, being bluntly informed that there would be no further dialogue over the sale of Alexander-Arnold.

Liverpool are solely focused on their current leadership in the Premier League and Champions League standings.

Liverpool remain firm on their stance despite the January transfer window sparking increasing speculation, especially now that the player can sign a pre-contract deal elsewhere.

The Reds are still hoping to reach a deal to keep their local talent at Anfield.

Talks with the player's representatives, including his brother Tyler who manages his affairs, have been active for months and Liverpool have received no indication that Alexander-Arnold wants to leave.

While teammates Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have publicly discussed their contract situations, Alexander-Arnold has remained silent.

Last month, when asked about his future, he said: “I've been at the club for 20 years now and I've signed four or five contract extensions… and none of them have been played out in public. This one won’t be one or the other.”

However, this will not quell the rumors or the growing interest from Real Madrid.