Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham demonstrated his impeccable character when he declined to comment on the speculation surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold's possible move to the Bernabeu. The Liverpool vice-captain, whose contract terminates at season's end, has been frequently mentioned in rumours of a summer switch to Spain to join Bellingham.
The Spanish outfit had previously presented a £20million bid for Alexander-Arnold in January, which Liverpool promptly rebuffed. Now, recent reports suggest that an agreement has been reached with the right-back, setting the stage for his transfer to the capital. Throughout the season, the defender has maintained silence on his ambiguous future, prompting debate amongst football pundits and fans alike. Bellingham, amid this whirlwind of speculation and having forged a strong rapport with Alexander-Arnold, opted not to fuel further conjecture.
Renowned as the sixth Englishman to pull on a Madrid shirt, the midfielder, faced with questions before Liverpool's Champions League clash earlier this season, did not wish to add complexity to his international teammate's situation by discussing it, reports the Mirror.
At a press conference, his respect for both Alexander-Arnold and Liverpool was evident when he tactfully replied: "Would I like to play with Trent? I will be with him in the national team, so that will be guaranteed.
"He is a Liverpool player and talking about the future is disrespectful. The important thing is to relieve the pressure. He is a great friend and I wish him all the best. Except tomorrow."
This is the stance taken as whispers of Alexander-Arnold's potential departure from Anfield continue to bubble under the surface. Should the Englishman leave, manager Arne Slot could turn to Conor Bradley, but it's likely that a more experienced replacement would be sought.
The grapevine is humming with rumours that Slot has set his sights on Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong, and engaging talks have reportedly transpired with the Netherlands international.
A product of Manchester City's youth system, Frimpong has risen to prominence as one of football's finest full-backs since joining Bundesliga champions Leverkusen in 2021. His tally of 29 goals and 40 assists in 182 appearances is testament to his attacking prowess from defence.
Speculation suggests that Frimpong's contract includes a £33.5m buyout clause, a sum which may set off a bidding war among top clubs such as Barcelona and Bayern Munich this summer, should Liverpool pursue an offensive for his signature.