Real Madrid have been heavily linked with a move for Trent Alexander-Arnold
He can sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from the start of January
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By DOMINIC HOGAN
Published: 04:38 EST, 3 December 2024 | Updated: 04:38 EST, 3 December 2024
Liverpool are working hard to keep hold of Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer according to reports, with the Reds star's deal set to run up at the end of the season in what would be a huge loss to the club.
Alexander-Arnold is a boyhood Liverpool fan, having been at the club for the entirety of his career, but with no contract extension agreed he has been linked with a move away to Real Madrid with increasing regularity.
For Alexander-Arnold - an emblematic figure at the club, vice-captain, and arguably the best right back in the world - to leave for nothing in the summer would be a debilitating blow to the Reds.
Given the uncertainty over his future, there is understandably a huge interest in his situation.
However, the Athletic reports that there is work being done to secure his services for the near future, though there is still no breakthrough in talks.
As such, the longer talks go on, the more confidence suitors such as Real Madrid will gain - especially when they know they can snap him up from January 1.
Trent Alexander-Arnold could leave Liverpool for free with a contract still yet to be offered
Real Madrid's interest in the England international right back has been well-documented
Alexander-Arnold is among the best in the world in his position but could leave Liverpool for free
The club do not want to miss out on their defensive star, but their hand may be forced into trying to match both the allure and financial might of Real Madrid should talks stall for much longer with the player.
Alexander-Arnold has been impressive for Liverpool amid their title charge over the course of the season so far, looking to be enjoying life under Arne Slot.
The Reds currently sit top of the table with 34 points having lost just one game, nine points clear of Arsenal in second and Chelsea in third.
Despite picking up plenty of criticism in the past for his defensive work - with his offensive capabilities unrivalled among right backs - he has reportedly set about working on his game with back to goal.
He reportedly has regular one-to-one meetings with boss Slot over how he can improve, as well as what he is doing well.
Alexander-Arnold is one of three Liverpool superstars currently out of contract at the end of the season.
Mohamed Salah and captain Virgil van Dijk are also without deals beyond 2024-25, and the former has already voiced his apparent frustration at a lack of progress.
Speaking to a small selection of reporters after the win at Southampton, Salah said: 'We are almost in December and I haven't received any offers yet to stay in the club. I'm probably more out than in.
Arne Slot is thought to have been holding one-to-one sessions with his star right back
Virgil van Dijk is one of two other key stars that is currently out of contract at the end of 2024-25
Mohamed Salah has already voiced his own frustration at a lack of talks towards a new deal
'You know I have been in the club for many years. There is no club like this. But in the end it is not in my hands. As I said, it is December and I haven't received anything yet about my future.
'I love the fans. The fans love me. In the end it is not in my hands or the fans' hands.'
Asked if he was disappointed about the lack of progress, Salah added: 'Of course, yeah. I'm not going to retire soon so I'm just playing, focusing on the season and I'm trying to win the Premier League and hopefully the Champions League as well. I'm disappointed but we will see.
'I am very professional. Everybody can see my work ethic. I'm just trying to enjoy my football and I will play at the top level as long as possible.'
Mail Sport understands that Liverpool have made contact with Salah's agent Ramy Abbas over the contract and senior Anfield sources have suggested those talks have been positive.