Real Madrid have set a ceiling on the price they are willing to pay for Trent Alexander-Arnold in January.
The European champions have already rejected an initial inquiry from Liverpool for the right-back but are expected to return in the remainder of the transfer window in an attempt to prize him away from Anfield.
Top Spanish newspaper AS, who have close links to the club, suggest Madrid will go as high as €15m (£12.4m) but, should that bid also be rejected, they will wait until the summer when the England international will be available. in free transport.
It is highly unlikely that figure will convince Liverpool to part with Alexander-Arnold, given his importance to a team that continues to challenge on four fronts this season – Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup and Champions League.
If the player stays on Merseyside beyond January, it will also give the club more time to discuss a contract extension, although the smart money remains on Alexander-Arnold joining Madrid at the end of the season.
The three departures could upset Liverpool
Alexander-Arnold is not the only Liverpool player out of contract in June. Both Mohamed Salah and captain Virgil van Dijk are yet to agree new deals, meaning all three could leave in the summer.
Uncertainty over the future of the influential trio has threatened to overshadow what has so far been a hugely impressive start for new manager Arne Slot at Liverpool.
Speaking in December, Alexander-Arnold said any contract negotiations would not be made public.
“I’ve been at the club for 20 years now,” he said. “I’ve signed four or five contract extensions and none of them have been played out publicly – and neither will this one.”
Liverpool have FOUR!
Trent Alexander-Arnold shoots from distance and takes out Max Kilman in goal 💫 pic.twitter.com/D5jeJeYMhL
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 29, 2024
Sloter happy with Alexander-Arnold
However, after scoring in Liverpool’s 5-0 win over West Ham on Saturday, the 26-year-old celebrated with a wave of his arm, seemingly in reference to intense speculation over his future.
Asked about the celebration, Slot said: “No, I don’t think it’s negative at all. He plays very well, scored a great goal and the way he celebrated his goal probably tells you enough. I don’t think I need to say much more about it.
“I’m very happy with Trent, as I am with Mo (Salah) and Virgil. So for me there is no difference.
“To the outside world, there’s maybe a bit more going on around Trent in the media than the other two, but I’m happy with all three at the moment.”
