Trent Alexander-Arnold close to reaching agreement with Real Madrid

Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly edging closer to reaching an agreement with Real Madrid over a free transfer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

While the Reds have tied down captain Virgil van Dijk and top scorer Mohamed Salah to new two-year deals, uncertainty remains over the future of Alexander-Arnold, whose contract is set to expire this summer.

The 26-year-old has been sidelined for over a month with an injury that could derail what may prove to be his final weeks as a Liverpool player.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “The agreement between Trent Alexander-Arnold and Real Madrid is yet to be completed in terms of signing the contract, but verbally is at the final stages.

“Expected to be here we go.”

Alexander-Arnold could be named on the bench for Liverpool’s league clash against Leicester City on Sunday, having been sidelined for just over five weeks with an ankle injury.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to leave Liverpool to join Real Madrid

While Arne Slot remained tight-lipped about the defender’s contract situation, the Dutchman was full of praise for the 26-year-old’s quality and attitude.

“We don’t talk about these things [contracts] as long as things are not done yet and they aren’t, so that’s why we don’t talk in public about his situation,” said Slot.

“He’s worked so hard to be back already and the moment he is on the pitch he shows me what a great football player he is and how much he’s involved in us trying to achieve our goals this season.

“He’s worked so hard during the whole season and now in his rehab to be back with the team again.

“The fans of Liverpool, everyone who watches football for the last five, six or seven years, knows he is an incredible full-back, has been an incredible full-back for this football club and let’s see what the future brings.”