Trent Alexander-Arnold has continued to make the headlines on and off the pitch for Liverpool this season.

The 26-year-old has been in fine form under Arne Slot and has relished working with the Dutchman, with his performances also earning him an England re-call under Lee Carsley.

Off the pitch, speculation surrounding his future continue to dominate the back pages as his current deal expires next summer.

Real Madrid want to sign Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer, while Liverpool are still in talks to tie him down to a new deal.

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And now, Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on the situation ahead of the January transfer window.

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Alexander-Arnold will be free to negotiate terms with potential suitors in a few weeks, which could allow Real Madrid to make their sales pitch to him.

Jude Bellingham could have a role to play in negotiations, with the pair forging a fantastic friendship over the years.

There were reports that Alexander-Arnold wants to be among Liverpool’s highest-paid players, but those suggestions have been downplayed, with the 26-year-old aware of his position within the team.

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Ahead of the January transfer window, Romano says Alexander-Arnold is Real Madrid’s top target, with the Spanish giants planning to ‘attack’ his signature in the coming weeks.

“Trent is top of the list for Real Madrid,” said Romano on Men in Blazers’ YouTube channel.

“That’s the reality since March.

Now in a couple of weeks, they will potentially be able to talk to Trent in case he doesn’t extend the contract before.

“Real Madrid will attack for Trent Alexander-Arnold for sure.

But Liverpool are still there and talking to him.”

The Liverpool vice-captain has been fantastic on both ends of the pitch and his form could be a massive factor in the Premier League title race this season.

Trent Alexander-Arnold statsAppsGoalsAssistsYellow cardsMins playedPremier League15–431.136?UEFA Champions League5–1–410?EFL Cup1–––45?

Alexander-Arnold was described as a ‘wonderful’ player by Southampton legend Francis Benali earlier this month as he starred in the Carabao Cup win against the Saints.

He has taken to Slot’s philosophy like a duck to water and Liverpool simply can’t afford to lose a player like him, more so for free.