Real Madrid have just dropped a potential hint on whether they could sign Alexander-Arnold in January - opinion

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Liverpool are sweating over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future as his current contract expires at the end of the 2024-25 season.

The Liverpool vice-captain has been in stunning form for club and country this season but is no closer to putting pen to paper on an extension.

Real Madrid’s interest in Alexander-Arnold is the worst-kept secret in world football as they aim to snap him up at the end of the season.

However, the La Liga giants may have dropped a hint on their pursuit of the gifted Scouser with a recent announcement.

Real Madrid add Jesus Fortea to Champions League squad

Real Madrid are in a spot of bother as results haven’t gone their way this season.

Their misery was compounded in midweek as AC Milan secured a statement 3-1 UEFA Champions League win at the Santiago Bernabeu, raising questions over Carlo Ancelotti’s future.

Their woes at right-back are well-documented, with Dani Carvajal out for the foreseeable future with an ACL injury.

Eder Militao hasn’t played well on the right flank, leaving Lucas Vasquez as their only senior fit player who can deputize in that position.

Reports from Spain claim Real Madrid want to accelerate their pursuit of Alexander-Arnold and make a move for him in January.

But now, they have added young defender Jesus Cortea to their Champions League squad, which is a sign that they are no closer to signing another right-back.

If a deal for Alexander-Arnold – or any other player in that position – was in the pipeline, Madrid wouldn’t have drafted the youngster into the squad, which is a good sign for the Anfield hierarchy.

Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool stats this season

The 26-year-old has started every Premier League and UEFA Champions League game for Liverpool under Arne Slot and has contributed to both phases of play to brilliant effect.

Liverpool are running out of time to tie him down to a new deal as Alexander-Arnold would be free to agree a pre-contract with other clubs from January.

However, based on Madrid’s recent activity, it is abundantly clear that he is no closer to making a decision on his future.

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