Trent Alexander-Arnold lines up before a Liverpool match at Anfield
Trent Alexander-Arnold was the talk of Tuesday and that seems set to continue today
Welcome to the ECHO's live coverage of the latest Liverpool FC transfer news on Wednesday, 26 March.
Trent Alexander-Arnold will not be playing in the Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield next week because of injury, but that does not mean the club's vice-captain is out of sight, out of mind - far from it.
But instead of speculating when the right-back will be ready to play again, the discussion is again about his future.
That is because reports emerged on Tuesday about what now appears to be a prospective rather than potential move to Real Madrid.
Alexander-Arnold is reputedly close to a pre-contract agreement with the Spanish side before becoming a free agent at the start of July.
Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are also in the same situation, but the academy graduate appears to be the first domino to fall.
Aside from those three, Wataru Endo is also said to be someone Eintracht Frankfurt are considering signing during the summer transfer window.
Endo spent four years at fellow German club Stuttgart before leaving them to join Liverpool barely 18 months ago.
Stay tuned for all the latest Liverpool transfer news and rumours as we bring you the latest updates.
09:09Matthew Abbott
Liverpool have 11 options to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold as transfer deadline set
Liverpool are reportedly increasingly likely to need a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold next season.
Alexander-Arnold, 26, is said to be closing in on finalising a pre-contract agreement to sign for Real Madrid when his current contract expires at the end of this season.
The club's vice-captain has been able to hold talks with overseas clubs since New Year's Day after entering the final six months of his deal with the Reds. Almost three months later, discussions are ongoing during this March international break.
It now appears almost inevitable that a long-term successor for Alexander-Arnold will be necessary.
The club should have potential solutions this summer, both in-house and externally, as this has been a possibility for many months, if not years.
Here are 11 potential Alexander-Arnold replacements who Liverpool could sign during the summer transfer window
Trent Alexander-Arnold looks set to be heading to Real Madrid in the summer (Image: Getty Images)
Comments
08:35Matthew Abbott
Liverpool can't afford to spend big money on replacement for summer exit as transfer set
Trent Alexander-Arnold may have moved one step closer to leaving Liverpool after reports emerged on Tuesday that the defender is close to agreeing a contract with Real Madrid. It means the Reds could lose a player many consider the world's best in his position during his prime years.
And the 26-year-old's departure would also represent another dilemma to ponder for Richard Hughes and Arne Slot as they prepare for what promises to be a busy summer transfer window.
Along with Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are also out of contract and yet to agree extensions, while there are rumours Liverpool could target players throughout the side as Slot looks to remodel his squad.
So should Liverpool commit significant funds to buy a replacement for Alexander-Arnold?
Our writers have had their say
Trent Alexander-Arnold looks to be on the verge of a move to Real Madrid (Image: Getty Images)
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Shane Ireland
Good morning
Hello and welcome to the ECHO's Liverpool transfer blog on Wednesday, March 26.
We'll have all the latest updates and rumours from Anfield and beyond with Trent Alexander-Arnold's future dominating the agenda at the moment.
The Reds full-back appears to be closing in on a free transfer to Real Madrid, with his Liverpool contract expiring in the summer.
Stay with us for live coverage on that story and plenty more throughout the day.