The biggest open secret in football is now out in the open, with Trent Alexander-Arnold on course to sign for Real Madrid.

The Liverpool defender’s contract is up this summer with Madrid strongly rumoured with signing Alexander-Arnold for well over a year, with news now breaking this week that an agreement has been reached between all parties.

With Troy Deeney saying Liverpool fans will feel emotional about Alexander-Arnold’s exit, the problems could continue to mount for the Reds should Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk also decide to leave at the end of this season.

And Fabrizio Romano has now clarified if the Dutch international will also join Los Blancos, with Van Dijk recently linked with Madrid as well.

Report: Fabrizio Romano provides big Trent-Alexander-Arnold update amid Real Madrid transfer links	Romano provides Van Dijk to Real Madrid update amid Alexander-Arnold news	Fabrizio Romano: Real Madrid made ‘very clear’ ultimatum to Trent that he ‘immediately accepted’

READ MORE: What Trent Alexander-Arnold said about leaving Liverpool for Spain in 2020 after claims he’s set to join Real Madrid

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Speaking on his official YouTube channel, the Italian transfer journalist revealed that there has never been any conversations between Van Dijk and Madrid over a potential move, with Liverpool working on awarding their defender a new contract.

With the summer transfer window fast approaching, Liverpool are running out of time to secure Van Dijk’s future, yet a move to Madrid alongside Alexander-Arnold seems to be off the table for the Netherlands international.

Romano said: “In recent weeks, we’ve had reports about Virgil van Dijk and Real Madrid.

Let me say that this has never been the case, I’m hearing Real Madrid have never had a conversation with Virgil van Dijk, the agents of Virgil van Dijk never started any conversations with Real Madrid.

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“Clubs are always attentive and informed on the situation, but Real Madrid never started negotiations for Virgil, and Virgil never started conversations with Real Madrid.”

Van Dijk’s contract has been a big talking point for Liverpool supporters all season, with the Anfield defender enjoying one of his best years yet for the Reds despite an uncertain future with the Premier League giants.

And with Alexander-Arnold now set to join Madrid, Liverpool need to agree to a new contract with Van Dijk and have it announced as soon as possible to give the fans a boost heading into the final weeks of the season.

Indeed, Van Dijk’s future at Liverpool is one of the most important matters currently at hand at Anfield, and ensuring the centre-back remains with the Reds beyond this season should be of the utmost importance for Arne Slot’s side.