Real Madrid have formally notified Liverpool of their intention to sign England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, reports say.
The Spanish giants have taken the unusual step of declaring their interest, despite not being required to do so.
According to talkSPORT, Real Madrid are keen to maintain a respectful relationship with their Merseyside counterparts during any potential negotiations.
Liverpool are still hoping to convince Alexander-Arnold to sign a new deal at Anfield.
Real Madrid have told Liverpool they intend on signing Trent Alexander-Arnold
PA
Alexander-Arnold's current contract at Liverpool expires in summer 2024, alongside teammates Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.
This situation means the right-back would be free to negotiate and sign a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs when the January transfer window opens.
The uncertainty surrounding these key players' contracts has sparked widespread speculation about potential transfers and new deals at Liverpool.
Real Madrid's interest appears to have been accelerated by an injury crisis at right-back.
Their established defender Dani Carvajal, a six-time Champions League winner, suffered an ACL injury in October.
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The Spanish club are now looking to implement a succession plan for the 32-year-old Carvajal.
Alexander-Arnold has been long-linked with a potential move to the Bernabéu, with Los Blancos now making their interest official.
Links between Alexander-Arnold and Real Madrid have strengthened due to his close friendship with Los Blancos star Jude Bellingham.
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The connection previously led Liverpool supporters to hope Bellingham would choose Anfield when leaving Borussia Dortmund.
Instead, the 21-year-old opted for the Spanish capital, where he has already enjoyed remarkable success.
Bellingham has claimed both LaLiga and Champions League honours since his move to Madrid.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is out of contract at the end of the season
PA
The potential departure of Alexander-Arnold might be softened by the emergence of Conor Bradley as a capable replacement.
Bradley impressed when stepping in against Real Madrid in the Champions League, particularly in his handling of Kylian Mbappe.
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Trent Alexander-Arnold has yet to be offered new terms by Liverpool
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England legend Stuart Pearce, speaking to talkSPORT at Anfield, praised Bradley's performance: "He's dealt with [Kylian] Mbappe, he's got forward, he's assisted goals, he's been everything."
"He's been absolutely outstanding tonight, he's been brilliant," Pearce added.
