Real Madrid have made their stance clear on Trent Alexander-Arnold

He can sign a pre-contract in January

The European giants do not have to register an active interest with the player as he can sign a pre-contract with the club as soon as January.

Sources close to the current champions of Europe, however, say they want to be 'respectful' to Liverpool in their negotiations.

The Redmen, who currently sit top of the league, still want to tie Alexander-Arnold down to a new deal.

Alongside Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, his contract will end next summer, prompting soon-to-be urgency for him to put pen to paper.

The England international has long been linked to the Spanish outfit of Real Madrid though, with Los Blancos currently without their stalwart right-back and European champion Dani Carvajal.

Suffering an ACL injury in October, he has been ruled out for a substantial period of time.

Losing Alexander-Arnold would undoubtedly be a huge blow to Arne Slot's side, however, there are reassurances that Conor Bradley can step up in his position.

Playing exceptionally well versus Real Madrid, Bradley earned plaudits for his brilliant tackle on Kylian Mbappe.