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Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool(Image: Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Former Liverpool star Steve McManaman believes Trent Alexander-Arnold will be a "superstar" if he swaps Anfield for Real Madrid.

The Reds vice-captain has been heavily linked with a move to the La Liga giants throughout the season, with the rumours ramping up over the last few days.

Reports emerged on Tuesday claiming that Alexander-Arnold is close to reaching an agreement that would see him leave Liverpool and join Madrid in the summer.



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The Reds right-back is out of contract at the end of the season and is able to negotiate with Madrid and other clubs outside England over signing as a free agent when his deal expires.

McManaman left Liverpool in 1999 to sign for Madrid on a free transfer, and Alexander-Arnold could do the same in a few months' time.

Michael Owen made the move for £8million in 2004.

READ MORE:Liverpool could soon add three players to strongest squad as Premier League title run-in beginsREAD MORE:Jude Bellingham has already made Trent Alexander-Arnold 'guarantee' amid Liverpool exit claims

The former Reds winger McManaman is backing Alexander-Arnold to be a success if the highly-tipped move to the Santiago Bernabeu materialises.

"If he [Alexander-Arnold] does choose to go to Real Madrid and he does choose to forge a new adventure with a new language and a new lifestyle, all credit to him," said McManaman in an interview with BBC Sport.

"It is a fantastic opportunity for him, if he does go, and no doubt he will be a superstar there as well."

If Alexander-Arnold was to depart, Conor Bradley could step into the England international's shoes as the starting right-back at Liverpool.

McManaman has expressed his wish to see Bradley follow in Alexander-Arnold's footsteps and be a success at Anfield.

"[Bradley is] a completely different player to Trent Alexander-Arnold," said McManaman.

"Trent's numbers in an attacking sense are absolutely fantastic, but Liverpool fans and everybody will hope that Conor Bradley will be able to fill that void.

"You have a standard level and, every year, you try to improve and get better and better.

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"We all hope that Conor Bradley achieves that and becomes the superstar that people are talking about when they talk about Trent Alexander-Arnold."