Liverpool can repeat Michael Owen's deal with Real Madrid to appease Alexander-Arnold's departure

Liverpool could soften the blow of losing Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid by employing a strategy they used when Michael Owen left Anfield two decades ago.

Alexander-Arnold has been widely tipped to join the Spanish giants, either this month or when his contract with Liverpool expires at the end of the season.

He is free to negotiate a pre-contract deal, having completed the final six months of his current contract at Anfield. Real Madrid reportedly tried to lure Liverpool into selling him this month, but to no avail.

The Reds have already turned down an offer of around £20million, but they appear to be delaying the inevitable, with Alexander-Arnold increasingly unlikely to extend his stay at Anfield.

His potential departure would be a blow to Liverpool, where he has spent his entire career since joining them aged six. His incredible range of passing has helped them win every trophy available under Jurgen Klopp and he remains an indispensable asset.

Although Alexander-Arnold will be greatly missed if he joins Real Madrid, there could be a way for Liverpool to soften the blow of his departure.

When they sold Owen to Los Blancos in 2004, they insisted on a part-exchange deal which saw Antonio Nunez move to Merseyside. However, it didn't go as planned, with Nunez leaving after just one season on the sidelines.

Liverpool could demand a similar arrangement to sell Alexander-Arnold, which would involve a reduced transfer fee on top of Real Madrid moving a player.

Marca has already announced that Aurélien Tchouameni could be “sacrificed” by Real Madrid as part of a possible player plus cash deal. He is known to be admired by Liverpool, who tried unsuccessfully to bring him from Monaco before his move to Spain in 2022.

Alternatively, the Reds could negotiate the inclusion of a top young prospect such as Endrick or Arda Guler, who have struggled to play regularly at the Bernabeu this season.

In November, The Independent claimed that Real Madrid would consider sanctioning the transfers of the two players in January. Permanent deals with buyout clauses were mentioned in the report as a real possibility.

It remains to be seen what happens over the coming weeks, with Alexander-Arnold seemingly destined for a move unless there is a drastic change in his situation at Liverpool.