“The main issue for Trent” - Jamie Carragher offers advice to Alexander-Arnold on how he can cool down Liverpool fan outrage if he joins Real Madrid

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has advised club vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold on how to plan his move to Real Madrid so as not to anger the Reds' fans. The former England defender believes the academy graduate could draw the ire of the Anfield faithful if he leaves on a free.

Several reports have linked Alexander-Arnold with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu in recent months. The 26-year-old full-back will enter the final six months of his contract with the Reds in January, which has raised uncertainty around his future at Merseyside.

The Spanish giants are said to be monitoring his situation, and they can agree to a free transfer with Alexander-Arnold from January 1. Jamie Carragher addressed the full-back's future in his recent column in The Telegraph, writing:

"... He could go to Real on the kind of huge wages that free-agency players can command and win Champions League and La Liga titles there. That too will sound pretty good for a footballer – but it is then what comes next. It is a long life after you finish playing.

"How people treat you in the city from which you come makes a big difference. And fans do not care that you made millions more. For them, that salary is irrelevant."

Carragher gave examples of players like Michael Owen, who joined Real Madrid for just £8 million, and Steve McManaman, who joined the Spaniards on a free. He explained how they lost the love of the Liverpool fans as they left for cheap, warning Trent Alexander-Arnold:

"That is the main issue for Trent – the free transfer. As with Macca, the supporters will feel that the club are losing an £80 million player for nothing, and they will not like it.

"My advice to Trent would be to sign a new deal, with a reasonable buyout clause, that will give the club some value if Real or anyone else decide to meet it."

Trent Alexander-Arnold is said to be in contract talks with Liverpool. However, according to a report from The Sun (via TeamTalk), his wage demands are higher than the club's expectations.

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Real Madrid keeping an eye on Trent Alexander-Arnold's stance amidst Liverpool contract discussions - Reports

According to Caught Offside (via The Real Champs), Real Madrid are monitoring Trent Alexander-Arnold's situation at Liverpool. A meeting has reportedly been scheduled in January at Valdebebas, where the club will discuss signing the England international.

Trent Alexander-Arnold may or may not move to Real Madrid, but he is a Liverpool legend. The full-back has played 330 games for the club, scoring 19 goals and providing 84 assists. He has also won a total of eight trophies, including the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.