Liverpool are now ramping up their interest in a defender who's been likened to Eder Militao, with Trent Alexander-Arnold looking increasingly likely to move to Real Madrid this summer, according to a report.
Trent's time at Anfield coming to an end
With just a matter of months remaining on Alexander Arnold's contract, the right-back looks set to leave at the end of the season, and Real Madrid is in his sights, as revealed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Conor Bradley is the obvious choice to replace Trent, with the Northern Irish youngster stepping in at right-back on a number of occasions this season, but there is a feeling the Reds could also look to bring in another option this summer.
Newcastle United's Tino Livramento is one of the latest defenders to be linked with a surprise move to Anfield, while contact has also been made over a deal for Celta Vigo's Oscar Mingueza, who has a release clause of just £17m.
General view of the corner flag inside Anfield before the match Related
[Liverpool make contact to sign "world-class" £62m striker ahead of Arsenal](https://www.footballfancast.com/liverpool-make-contact-to-sign-matheus-cunha-ahead-of-arsenal/ "Liverpool make contact to sign "world-class" £62m striker ahead of Arsenal")
The Reds are now in the race to sign a "world-class" striker, having made the first move towards getting a deal done.
According to a report from The Boot Room, another target has also now entered the frame, with Liverpool ramping up their interest in SC Freiburg's Kiliann Sildillia, who is also on the radar of Premier League rivals Manchester City, Aston Villa and Brighton.
Sildillia is deemed likely to leave Freiburg this summer, amid interest from a number of England's top clubs, having put in some top performances at right-back this season, although he is also able to slot in at centre-back when required.
SC Freiburg's Kiliann Sildillia in action with West Ham United's Mohammed Kudus
The Reds have watched the defender on more than one occasion in recent weeks, such is their level of interest, with his contract set to expire in 2026, making this summer Freiburg's last chance to cash-in.
"Revelation" Sildillia could be upgrade on Trent defensively
Liverpool would be hard-pressed to find any full-back capable of replacing Trent's attacking numbers, but there are signs the Freiburg ace could be an upgrade from a defensive point of view.
The Frenchman has outperformed the Reds' academy graduate on a number of key defensive metrics over the past year, ranking very highly, when compared to his positional peers in Europe's 'big five' leagues.
Statistic Average per 90
Interceptions 1.45 (91st percentile)
Blocks 1.66 (88th percentile)
Clearances 3.83 (94th percentile)
Aerials won 2.28 (99th percentile)
Not only that, but the full-back, who has been a "revelation" in the Bundesliga, is capable of contributing going forward, ranking in the 97th percentile for non-penalty goals. The 22-year-old's versatility could also be of use to Arne Slot, with scout/analyst Jacek Kulig likening him to Real Madrid's Militao, who is able to play at both centre-back and right-back.
There is theoretically still time for a late U-turn from Trent, but with it looking ever more likely he will move to Madrid this summer, Sildillia has proven he could be a solid signing.