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Jude Bellingham (right) has posted a cryptic Instagram story after news that Real Madrid had bid for Trent Alexander-Arnold broke.(Image: Photo by Inaki Esnaola/Getty Images)

The Jude Bellingham mind games may have already begun after Real Madrid launched a transfer offensive to sign Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The Reds rejected Madrid's approach on Tuesday as the La Liga giants looked to land the full-back before his contract expires this summer.

Los Blancos have been long-standing suitors for the 26-year-old, with his contract at Anfield edging towards its conclusion in the last 18 months.



The Real star has struck a friendship with the Liverpool defender following their time together in the England international set-up.

During the 20-year-old's own transfer saga - prior to his move to the Spanish capital - Liverpool were among the clubs interested in his signature with Alexander-Arnold best-placed to play special agent in the matter, ultimately to no avail.

And a mid-season reunion has been rebuffed.

READ MORE:Liverpool's best and worst case scenarios as transfer window loomsREAD MORE:Mohamed Salah 'desperate' for Liverpool contract solution as January transfer claim made

News broke of the Reds refusal to entertain an approach from the Spanish and European champions at 5pm on December 31 ahead of Liverpool's match with Manchester United on Sunday, as they look to create clear daylight with their Premier League title rivals.

During that time, Bellingham posted a series of Instagram stories celebrating a successful 2024.

Coincidental as it might be, four hours after his previous story, and within an hour of news that Real had suffered a set-back in their Alexander-Arnold interest, he shared a snap sitting with the five trophies that he'd won with Frank Sinatra's 'It Was A Good Year' playing over.

The story Jude Bellingham posted on Instagram.

Alexander-Arnold celebrated a goal with the talking gesture after netting during the 5-0 win over West Ham United.

Speaking after the Hammers rout, head coach Arne Slot displayed no signs of concern despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Alexander-Arnold and their two other contract issues - surrounding Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.
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