According to reports, Real Madrid have accepted that it is now impossible to bring Trent Alexander-Arnold to the club in the January transfer window.
The Englishman is among a trio of Liverpool stars at risk of leaving the club for free, with Alexander-Arnold, Virgil Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah all having just months left on their contracts.
Liverpool are actively negotiating with the three stars to extend their stay at Anfield but face competition from a host of elite European teams, with Madrid long-time admirers of Alexander-Arnold.
The reigning Champions League holders have held positive talks with the England international over a move to the Spanish capital and believe a deal will be completed in the summer.
However, Carlo Ancelotti's current defensive injury crisis, with both Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao dealing with long-term injuries, had prompted the club to reach an agreement with Liverpool in January.
An opening offer of £20m was immediately rejected by Liverpool's transfer managers, while Madrid considered taking a different approach to test the Reds' resolve.
However, they have now ruled out negotiating again as they believe Liverpool value their ongoing sporting project over recouping a fee for Alexander-Arnold, as reported by Marca.
Liverpool currently sit at the top of both the Premier League and Champions League standings during Arne Slot's dream first season, with Alexander-Arnold integral to that success.
Madrid understand that Liverpool will not lose a player of Alexander-Arnold's importance mid-season and have instead accepted that he will not move to the Santiago Bernabeu this month.
However, Alexander-Arnold does not currently have a deal with Liverpool and could sign a pre-contract deal with any European club in January before joining in the summer.
Such a deal would be a double blow for Liverpool as they risk losing one of their greatest ever academy talents without securing any return on their long-term investment.
Another option could also be for Alexander-Arnold to extend his stay on Merseyside, with the England international believed to still be undecided on his future career prospects.
His close relationship with England and Madrid star Jude Bellingham could also influence any future decision and Alexander-Arnold could be tempted to play for the serial Champions League winners.
Comments