Awkward timing! TAA posts about making ‘the switch’ in Instagram ad campaign

Trent Alexander-Arnold features in an awkwardly timed advert amid Liverpool's ongoing contract crisis.

Alexander-Arnold's future has been the subject of much speculation as his Liverpool contract expires at the end of the season.

The 26-year-old, who joined the club at the age of five, has been heavily linked with a move to reigning European champions Real Madrid.

He is one of three stars with a contract that expires this summer, along with Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.

An advert featuring Alexander-Arnold has now been published as part of a Google Pixel campaign, with the Liverpool star's social media post featuring the phrase 'Trust me to make the move'.

The message was not followed by news of a transfer, but with the words “To Google Pixel,” followed by Alexander-Arnold's message with a winking emoji.

Liverpool fans were quick to comment, with one writing: 'Why did you have to scare us with a caption like that?'

Others urged Alexander-Arnold to sign new terms to stay at Liverpool and fend off interest from elsewhere.

“It's best to be the only move you make off the field this season, sign the contract,” one fan wrote.

Another added: 'You can switch to any phone, it's none of my business. Don't switch teams now.'

Alexander-Arnold's post also included a video to promote Google Pixel, with the clip referencing another 'switch', a crossfield pass.

The Liverpool star is initially seen sitting on a park bench in the clip, holding the phone.

He is invited by a man, seen in a Liverpool shirt, to 'switch the switch' after a ball is at his feet.

After his long-range pass finds the man, Alexander-Arnold turns and says 'decent switch' before winking at the camera.

Alexander-Arnold is one of three Liverpool stars with a contract expiring at the end of the season, along with Salah and Van Dijk.

The full-back in particular has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, who were reportedly interested in signing him in January.

Liverpool host Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday, with Alexander-Arnold likely to be absent with a hamstring injury.

The Reds' contract woes were exacerbated this weekend when Salah revealed he has yet to receive any offers to stay at the club and is 'more out than in'.

Speaking to a small selection of reporters after Sunday's win over Southampton, Salah said: 'We are almost in December and I have not yet received any offers to stay at the club. I'm probably outside more than inside.

'You know I've been at the club for years. There is no club like this. But ultimately it's out of my hands. Like I said, it's December and I haven't received anything about my future yet.

'I love the fans. The fans love me. Ultimately it is not in my hands, nor in the hands of the fans.'