Trent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly inching closer to the Bernabeu as the Liverpool right-back continues to ignore contract offers to push for a move to Real Madrid.
The defender has been at the Reds since 2004, breaking into the first team in 2016 and quickly becoming a fan favorite with his accurate crosses and dangerous set pieces.
Since then, Alexander-Arnold has won it all, lifting the Champions League trophy in 2019 and the Premier League title a year later, as well as winning an FA Cup and two League Cups.
More trophies looked likely to be kissed at Anfield later this season, with Liverpool making a remarkable start under new boss Arne Slot, finding themselves six points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand.
But the 26-year-old has been getting closer to the door in recent weeks with contract negotiations stalled and Real circling for the star.
Now an explosive report in Spain by AS has revealed that Alexander-Arnold's move away from his boyhood club has almost gone over the limit.
Trent Alexander-Arnold's transfer to Real Madrid is nearing completion, according to a report
The defender won everything at the Anfield club, including the Champions League in 2019
He has also started to break into the England squad after being regularly excluded in the past.
The publication says: 'Alexander-Arnold has one foot in Real Madrid. Trent continues to ignore Liverpool's offers to renew and answer calls from Madrid… who, yes, want to go to the Bernabéu. That has no doubts.
'And optimism is growing. Everything is agreed, pending signature (with which the path will be clear as of January 1). Countdown.'
The report suggests that Real's urgency to sign the star has increased in recent weeks in light of Dani Carvjal's injury problems and age (he turns 33 next month) and Lucas Vázquez's unconvincing performances as side.
Alexander-Arnold is the first choice, with Tottenham's Pedro Porro believed to be a substitute, and the good relationship between the clubs dictated that Los Blancos informed Liverpool in time and there were no problems.
The Reds initially backed themselves to convince the fan favorite to stay at Anfield but are believed to be losing the race at the hands of the 15-time Champions League winners.
AS also draws attention to the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, third section, article 18, which states: 'A club that wishes to conclude a contract with a player must communicate its intention in writing to the player's club before starting the negotiations. talks. .
“The professional will be free to sign if his current contract expires within a maximum period of six months.”
The only thing missing now is Alexander-Arnold's signature, which can be delivered on January 1, but this is probably a formality, the report suggests.
Carlo Ancelotti's men now have the hope of being able to sign the right-back in January
Marca suggested on Saturday that Alexander-Arnold had told the Reds he wanted to leave.
It has been reported that the Englishman will leave in the summer and not in January out of respect.
However, the right-back will opt to delay his signing until the summer out of respect for his boyhood team, a decision that Real Madrid are believed to respect.
The latest development in negotiations comes after Alexander-Arnold reportedly informed Liverpool that he wants to leave the club to join the Spanish giants, according to BrandThis Saturday's cover.
The report claims that Real are prepared to discuss terms when the transfer window opens, but notes that the Reds would prefer him to leave as a free agent in the summer rather than paying a fee next month.
The opportunity to play alongside close friend and England teammate Jude Bellingham is also said to serve as incentive for Alexander-Arnold to make the move.
In fact, Mail Sport reported yesterday afternoon that Real have been increasingly convinced that they can win the race to capture their prized signature and I hope you will join them in a free transfer next summer.
Sources close to Liverpool insist that no agreement has been reached. And it is understood that the player's only contacts about his future to date have been with Liverpool.
But those in the Spanish capital are convinced that Alexander-Arnold wants a new challenge with Carlo Ancelotti and are already preparing to integrate the English international into their Galacticos team.
It has been a high-pressure situation for Liverpool, who are potentially losing an £80m asset for nothing.
The 26-year-old will become a free agent when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Alexander-Arnold has been consistently linked with a move to Ancelotti's side this season, and is close to Jude Bellingham.
He has registered four assists in the Premier League this season and Arne Slot's side have stormed to the top of the table.
The only way to get a fee for Alexander-Arnold is to sell him in the next transfer window, but the prospects of that happening are almost non-existent.
However, Real Madrid see the protracted contract negotiations as an opportunity to get him for free.
Liverpool will continue to try to tie their vice-captain to a new agreement and, until a previous agreement is signed with another club, which is not final, they will continue to strive for it.
Alexander-Arnold has certainly not given his word to Real Madrid, and remains focused on this season with the club of his heart, but all that is rumored from Spain is that the club is increasingly convinced that they can tempt him to leave. the ship if it decides to leave. Liverpool.
Last weekend, Jamie Carragher claimed that Alexander-Arnold's legacy at Anfield could be damaged if he decides to leave the club on a free transfer.
'If he stays at the club. “He will be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever play for the football club, and not far behind Steven Gerrard,” Carragher said.
'If you don't do it, you won't be remembered that way. Now, if you don't mind that, that's fine, but I'm just telling you what the Liverpool fans (think).”
He continued: “If I were advising Trent, I would say it's not just about leaving. I think people understand it with Real Madrid.”
Arne Slot has led his team to 22 wins, three draws and one loss in his first 26 games in charge.
Mohamed Salah has been in exceptional form lately and his contract also ends in the summer.
Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk will be able to talk to other clubs from January as his contract nears the end.
'A lot of this is the free transfer. That's a lot of anything. It's that fear that you won't leave us, (but) “Where is our money to replace you?”
You may not agree with that, but it's simply a fact.
“I would say, 'Sign a contract. Have a decent termination clause, that's not ridiculous. And if Real Madrid wants to buy you in 12 months…”'
The Premier League leaders also have the unresolved contract dilemmas of captain Virgil van Dijk and star Mohamed Salah, and the Reds are working tirelessly to secure new deals, with ongoing discussions between the club and the relevant parties in both situations.