Liverpool have turned down an approach from Real Madrid to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold in January.
The England international has been heavily linked with a move to the Bernabeu when his contract expires next summer and the Spanish club have now made their interest official.
Real Madrid contacted the Anfield hierarchy to establish whether Liverpool were prepared to sell Alexander-Arnold to them during the winter window. However, no figures were discussed with Liverpool making it clear that they have no interest in negotiating his exit in January.
Liverpool have dismissed reports in Spain that their vice-captain has already informed them of his desire to join Real Madrid. They still retain hope that he will commit his future to his boyhood club with discussions over an extension ongoing.
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From January 1, Alexander-Arnold can officially speak to foreign clubs about a possible move on a free transfer at the end of the season. Real Madrid will attempt to convince him to sign a pre-contract agreement, but Liverpool’s emphatic response to their initial approach underlines that he is highly unlikely to be going anywhere over the coming month.
Real Madrid have been seeking reinforcements at right-back since the loss of Dani Carvajal to a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in October. They view Alexander-Arnold as the ideal successor to the 32-year-old Spain international.
Liverpool have no wish to weaken their pursuit of Premier League and Champions League glory this season by selling a key asset midway through the season.
Arne Slot’s side head into 2025 with an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League table and also have a game in hand over second-placed Nottingham Forest.
Real Madrid declined to comment when approached.
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