Liverpool chiefs' feelings on Trent Alexander-Arnold hint at Real Madrid move

The prospect of Trent Alexander-Arnold joining Real Madrid has moved closer following reports that Liverpool bosses do not consider the player irreplaceable. Despite months of speculation over contract negotiations, the England right-back is yet to extend his contract at Anfield and is currently eligible for a free transfer this summer.

Alexander-Arnold is not the only Liverpool star whose future looks uncertain, with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk also approaching the final six months of their contracts.

But it is the 26-year-old who appears most likely to leave, having refused to publicly express his desire to stay with the Merseyside club beyond this season.

Northern Ireland defender Conor Bradley has proven to be a capable replacement over the past two seasons and impressed during his recent run of first-team games before being sidelined through injury. And according to the Spanish media Reveloclub management does not consider Alexander-Arnold an “indispensable” player.

The academy product has made 328 club appearances since breaking into the first team during the 2016/17 campaign, helping them win every domestic trophy as well as the 2018/19 Champions League. Under Jurgen Klopp he was also sometimes deployed in midfield, a tactic repeated by former England manager Gareth Southgate.

However, there have been question marks over his defensive position play. And it appears the Reds are prepared to let him head to Spain if they fail to make an imminent breakthrough in contract talks.

The report also states that a deal with Real is still far from finalized. Alexander-Arnold will be able to agree a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club in January, but will not officially make a move until June.

The star enjoys a close friendship with current Real midfielder Jude Bellingham, who is said to be trying to persuade his international teammate to join him at club level. And this week another player who will move from Anfield to the Bernabeu warned Alexander-Arnold that he will have to “live and die” whatever decision he makes.

Michael Owen spent one season with the La Liga giants during the 2002/05 campaign. Like 'TAA', he had already played through Liverpool's youth and academy ranks and was revered by the club's fans before choosing to leave.

“I was crying on the way to the airport because I didn't want to leave,” he told AceOdds. “But it was such an opportunity. I didn't want to make a decision. I almost wanted a decision to be made for me. I was so 50-50 but it didn't matter. It doesn't matter because ultimately you do one or the other.

“You are now committed and now you are going to do it. No regrets. That's what I decided at the time, even though it was a close match. This is what I have decided and you must live and die according to your decisions.