Real Madrid are finalising their plan for Trent Alexander-Arnold, according to reports. Liverpool will act from here.
Liverpool have been putting up with Real Madrid's interest in Trent Alexander-Arnold for months now. It supposedly dates back until March, when Los Blancos decided to truly test the waters.
READ MORE: Ex-Man City midfielder training with Liverpool first team
And they've found a player who, quite clearly, isn't entirely against the idea. Liverpool are yet to renew Alexander-Arnold's contract and that's all the evidence you need to see that he could leave the club.
Real Madrid have more pull than anyone in world football, of course. It certainly seems they might sign Alexander-Arnold but the 'when' is a key factor here.
Dani Carvajal's injury changed things for Carlo Ancelotti's team. They're in desperate need of a right-back now - not just in the summer.
It brings up a possibility: should they try to pay Liverpool to get Alexander-Arnold early, rather than waiting for a free transfer with the end of his contract in June?
Real Madrid's Alexander-Arnold plan
The Telegraph reports that Real Madrid have all but abandoned their plan to sign Alexander-Arnold in January. It no longer seems viable thanks to Liverpool's form.
The Reds are chasing every trophy going and are now overwhelming favourites to win the Premier League after beating Manchester City at the weekend. Their chances of winning the UEFA Champions League seem high, too, after the 2-0 win against Real Madrid.
Thus Arne Slot won't want to lose a single player as Liverpool continue their march towards trophies. It would cost an absolute fortune to get them to give up Alexander-Arnold and risk their season.