Real Madrid have reportedly rejected a move to sign Kyle Walker in the January transfer window, with the La Liga side still planning to sign Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer instead.
Walker joined AC Milan on loan this week after telling Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola he wanted a new challenge after starting just nine times in City's 21 Premier League games.
The 34-year-old told Guardiola he wanted to experience a new competition in another country – and Madrid could have been an option after signing the Spanish giants on loan.
However, according to Marca, Madrid opted against taking Walker – despite losing first-choice option Dani Carvajal for the season.
Young defender Raul Asencio has been playing as a makeshift right-back in Carvajal this season, with Madrid still hoping to lure Alexander-Arnold after turning down the chance to sign Walker.
Liverpool will be disappointed that Madrid did not opt for Walker after already rejecting a £20m bid from Carlo Ancelotti's men.
The report says Madrid's main reason for taking the chance to sign Walker was to ensure they stayed on track to sign Alexander-Arnold, who is out of contract at the end of the season.
The club know they can sign the 26-year-old on a free transfer if they wait until the summer, with Liverpool also in danger of losing Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk's contract with the trio.
Alexander-Arnold has come under fire this year after some sub-par displays, with some accusing him of taking his eye off the ball amid transfer speculation, but his manager Arne Slot has insisted he is still committed.
The Dutchman said earlier this year: “I think everyone has seen how great a first half of the season he had, how much he is here, how much he wants to win here.
“I see him on the training pitch, working every day. He is fully committed to us and he will play on Sunday.”
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