Liverpool receive Trent Alexander-Arnold approach from Real Madrid over January transfer

Liverpool have rejected an approach from Real Madrid over a January move for right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The 26-year-old is now in the final six months of his contract and overseas clubs are now permitted to make contact over a free transfer in the summer, but Madrid are believed to be keen to land Alexander-Arnold’s signature immediately.

Madrid reached out to Liverpool, per The Times, but were dismissed almost immediately, with the Reds making it clear they have no interest in discussing a January sale.

As a result, Madrid will now open formal negotiations with Alexander-Arnold directly over a summer switch to the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Athletic stress that Liverpool have denied claims that Alexander-Arnold has already communicated a desire to join Madrid, with the right-back even sending a muted response to the reports with his goal celebration against West Ham United at the weekend.

Nevertheless, further reports have insisted an agreement with Madrid is already on the cusp of completion.

In the short term, Liverpool hope to keep Alexander-Arnold to aid their push for the Premier League title, but they have not given up hope of tying the right-back down to a new contract and plan to continue negotiations.