Liverpool REJECT Real Madrid bid for Trent Alexander-Arnold in January swoop with star set for free transfer in summer
LIVERPOOL have rejected an audacious swoop from Real Madrid for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The England full-back is out of contract on Merseyside in the summer.
Alexander-Arnold came through the youth setup at Liverpool and has been with the club since 2006.
He could leave on a free transfer in the summer unless he pens a new contract and can start talks with European clubs from January 1.
The 26-year-old has yet to indicate if he wishes to leave his boyhood clue for a fresh challenge.
But that hasn't stopped Madrid from targeting the Three Lions star for a shock move in January.
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The offer for Alexander-Arnold from Real was a "club-to-club approach rather than a formal offer," according to the .
It was "rejected" out of hand by Liverpool, who hold a "desire" to keep Trent on the books.
Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is keen to sign a new right-back to bolster his injury-hit squad.
Dani Carvajal looks set to miss the remainder of the season for the reigning La Liga champions, who trail rivals Atletico by one point at the summit.
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Madrid have aggressively pursued free transfers in recent seasons, offering lucrative contracts to tempt stars to the Bernabeu.
David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger and most recently Kylian Mbappe were all signed this way.
Earlier this week, reports in Spain suggested Real were confident Alexander-Arnold will join at the end of the season.
They wanted to secure a deal in January given their injuries, but they accept a summer transfer if it is the only option.
Alexander-Arnold has played 332 times for Liverpool since making his debut almost a decade ago.
He has won the Premier League, Champions League, the FA Cup, two League Cups and a Club World Cup with the club.
Liverpool, who currently lead the Prem title race, could also lose both Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk to free transfers in the summer.
Both players are out of contract in May and are yet to sign a fresh deal.