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 seen an initial enquiry rebuffed by Liverpool for the right-back but they are expected to return during the remainder of the transfer window in an attempt to prise him away from Anfield.
Leading Spanish daily AS, who have close ties to the club, suggest Madrid will go as high as €15million (£12.4m) but, should that offer also be rebuffed, they will then wait until the summer when the England international will be available on a free transfer.
It is extremely unlikely that figure will persuade Liverpool to part with Alexander-Arnold given his importance to a team still challenging on four fronts this season – the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup and Champions League.
Should the player remain on Merseyside beyond January, it will also allow 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.
Trio of departures could unsettle Liverpool
Alexander-Arnold is not the only Liverpool player whose contract expires in June. Both Mohamed Salah and captain Virgil van Dijk are yet to agree new deals, meaning all three could depart in the summer.
The uncertainty over the future of the influential trio has threatened to overshadow what has so far been an hugely impressive start for new coach Arne Slot at Liverpool.
Speaking in December, Alexander-Arnold said any contract negotiations would not play out in public.
“I have been at the club 20 years now,” he said. “I have signed four or five contract extensions and none of those have been played out in public – and this one won’t be either.”
Liverpool have FOUR!
Trent Alexander-Arnold hits it from distance and it takes a deflection off Max Kilman into the goal 💫 pic.twitter.com/D5jeJeYMhL
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 29, 2024
Slot 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 chirping gesture with his hand, seemingly in reference to the intense speculation over his future.
Asked about the celebration, Slot said: “No, I don’t think it’s negative at all. He’s playing really well, scored a great goal and the way he celebrated his goal probably tells you enough. I don’t think I have to say much more about it.
“I’m really happy with Trent, just as happy as I am with Mo [Salah] and with Virgil. So for me, there’s no difference.
“For the outside world, maybe there’s a bit more things happening around Trent in the media than with the other two but I’m happy with all three of them at the moment.”
