Steve McManaman has dismissed the 'nonsense' surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold's contract extension talks at Liverpool.
The former Reds midfielder has hit back at rumors of a summer departure for the star. Arne Slot's side have had a positive season so far and currently sit at the top of both the Premier League and the Champions League.
Yet there has been a lot of uncertainty about the futures of Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. All three players' contracts expire in the summer, with Alexander-Arnold linked with a bold move to Real Madrid.
As the transfer saga continues, McManaman, who played for Liverpool and Los Blancos, came to Alexander-Arnold's defense.
Ahead of Liverpool's recent 1-1 draw against surprise title chasers Nottingham Forest, ex-Liverpool player Peter Crouch quizzed Slot live on TNT Sports about the potential for January signings given the current contract situation. Slot replied: “It doesn't distract me at all, I'm always focused on the next team we're playing against and I get the same feeling from my players.
“They are fully focused and committed to what we have to do, which is play here tonight instead of talking about transfers or contract situations.”
McManaman jokingly reprimanded Crouch for his question, before being asked by presenter Jules Breach for his own views on the matter. Breach suggested that while Salah and Van Dijk are likely to stay, Alexander-Arnold could be the one to leave.
McManaman replied: “Why did you say that? I don't know the circumstances. Right now they are all in the same situation.
“I've been listening, I've heard a lot of nonsense about the situation in Trent in various newspapers, podcasts, whatever people have to sell, and of course they don't know the full story. If you keep commenting on every single situation no one will end up you listen. There is no emphasis on what you have to say. You have to see how it turns out.”
McManaman had previously revealed that all three players were in extension talks last October and expressed hope that they would remain at Liverpool. Referring back to that observation, he said: “Liverpool fans – myself and Crouchy included – want them all to stay but we don't know their situation.
“We don't know personally if any of them want to leave, we don't know if their wives are happy here or if their children are happy here. When the best teams in the world want these players, it's difficult.”
“You have to sit down with your family and friends, your representatives, and say, 'What stage am I at in my career? Do I want to leave Liverpool for a new challenge? Do I want to go to X or Y?' Or do I stay here'.
“We will wait and see, but I think they are three great footballers and every team in the world will be lucky to have them.”
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