England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who, along with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, is entering the final year of his Liverpool contract, has emerged in the first team as a teenager and, at 25, has already made ‘over 300.
Real Madrid, who have been snapping up young prospects from around the world in recent years, have been keeping a close eye on the right-back, who has been on the pitch for 29 games for the Three Lions.
They are keen on a free transfer opportunity and if his contract is not renewed by January next year, things could go from bad to worse.
Club legend Graeme Souness, who has had a great deal of success at Liverpool in the past, has theorised that Conor Bradley has been brought in for three consecutive games since the start of the season in preparation for a future without Alexander-Arnold, when referring to the England defender’s departure.
“I think, and this is just a guess, he’s mates with Bellingham and he would be tailor-made to Real Madrid. He could end up at Real Madrid. I think that message may have been relayed to Liverpool. He’s [Slot] introduced Bradley both last week and this week and, by the way, he’s proper.”
“I’m saying that maybe he has made up his mind and that has been relayed to the hierarchy at Liverpool. He’s giving Bradley chances and keeping him onside, he’s having a good look at Bradley. That would be forward planning.”
Up Front with Simon Jordan