According to Madrid-based news outlet Marca, Trent Alexander-Arnold has already rejected up to three contract offers from Liverpool, while Real Madrid are preparing to move for him on a free transfer.

Liverpool are still hopeful they’ll be able to get Trent to commit to a new long-term deal at Anfield.

In any case, they will not countenance the idea of selling him in January, leaving a free transfer in the summer as the only option for Real Madrid.

Previous reports from UK-based sources confirmed that Liverpool made a contract offer to Trent but made no claim over the 26-year-old’s response.

Jamie Carragher: Trent Alexander-Arnold will be respected more than loved if he leaves Liverpool

Jamie Carragher believes Trent Alexander-Arnold is treated more harshly by Liverpool fans as compared to Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah who may also leave Anfield as free agents next summer.

“Trent should be loved no matter what happens, but he will be respected more than loved if he leaves this summer,” Carragher said.

“Local players get treated differently to overseas stars. It is just how it is.

“Put it this way, I’m not sure you will get a banner on the Kop saying, ‘give Trent whatever dough he wants’ any time soon. With the local lads it always seems to be more like: ‘You’re playing for Liverpool so what more do you want?’

“Trent will get a lot of criticism if he leaves on a free because he is valued at around £90 million, but there will be more acceptance if Salah and Van Dijk go on a Bosman even though one cost £40 million and the other £75 million.

“Trent cost no transfer fee, so he would leave for the same price.”

Trent’s contract situation is by far the most complicated out of the three. It has been reported that Van Dijk has already been offered a deal, with Salah next in line. There are no such reports about Trent.