Real Madrid set to make Liverpool star priority target

They are confident they can persuade Liverpool to sell

The England international’s contract at Anfield is due to expire at the end of the season and it has been reported that Liverpool are beginning to accept that Alexander-Arnold is unlikely to sign a new deal.

The Athletic have reported that Spanish giants Real Madrid are confident they may be able to strike a deal with Liverpool in January.

The Reds will look to avoid seeing the 26-year-old depart on a free transfer in the summer.

Meanwhile Spanish paper Marca plastered the headline "Liverpool know he will not renew" on today's paper.

The current vice-captain, who rose through the ranks at Anfield has previously shared his long-term ambitions at Liverpool.

He told Sky Sports last month: “I have always said I want to captain the club. That is a goal of mine, whether that happens is out of my hands.”

In 2019, he spoke of his dreams of leadership: “I am fortunate to have the people around me who understand the balance between letting me get comfortable, praising me too much and feeding that hunger that needs to be there.

“In terms of wanting to strive to be better, wanting to be one of the best players in the world, the best right back in the world, being the first name on the team-sheet, wanting to be Liverpool captain, wanting to be England captain.”

More recently he alarmed Liverpool fans as he said: “I want to be a Liverpool player this season [as a minimum] is what I will say.”

During the recent international break, Alexander-Arnold told ITV of his ambitions to win trophies saying: “I've entered the prime of my career. I don't want to be remembered as a player who only won trophies in his youth.”

Real Madrid are said to be keeping their options open in case Alexander-Arnold decides to extend his contract at Anfield.

The 26-year-old joined Liverpool in 2004 and captained the club across its youth levels. He made his senior debut in 2016, at age 18 and was part of the side that won the Champions League in 2019.

Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool teammates Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are also out of contract in the summer.