Real Madrid have confirmed their January transfer plans after Trent Alexander-Arnold was urged to leave Liverpool.
The Spanish giants have long been linked with a move for the Reds defender as he approaches the final six months of his contract. It was previously claimed that a deal has all but been struck which would see him move to the Bernabeu on a free transfer.
An announcement would reportedly be delayed until the end of the season out of respect for Liverpool, with the England defender reluctant to leave his boyhood club mid-season. But it now appears that Alexander-Arnold's future has taken a new turn.
According to Marca, the right-back is Madrid's first target of the January transfer window. The Spanish side are desperate to add a new defender to their squad following Dani Carvajal's injury.
And while Real are optimistic about their chances of signing him, a summer move seems more likely and they plan to sign an alternative if a deal proves impossible. Tottenham's Pedro Pedro has been identified as a potential signing.
The new development surrounding Alexander-Arnold's future comes at the same time that Gary Lineker is pushing for him to move to Real Madrid. Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, the former England star said: “It seems very logical to me. Free transfer is how Real Madrid have been doing things lately.
“He is very close to Jude Bellingham and would fit in wonderfully there. He would be a huge success. They wouldn't focus critically on his defense as we do here – overly so in my opinion.
“It's a great fit and would be a big loss for Liverpool, but a youngster is coming through [Conor Bradley] who did a very good job. I think there is a good chance that this will happen, even though I have no prior knowledge.”
Lineker added: “How do you say no to Real Madrid? Liverpool is an incredible football club, but a new challenge, playing abroad, I did that myself.
“Playing for Real Madrid or Barcelona is really special. No matter how strong, powerful and rich the Premier League is, the greats of the world still go to Barcelona and Real Madrid. The only exception lately is [Erling] Haaland.
“Apart from that, that's where they go. He [Alexander-Arnold] will love it there. It'll be great. They will adore and appreciate his passing range. He is in the prime of his career. I wouldn't begrudge him.”
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