Liverpool eye former Manchester City star as ideal replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold: Reports

Liverpool have reportedly identified former Manchester City academy ace Jeremie Frimpong as a potential successor to vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The Reds have yet to hand Alexander-Arnold a new contract with the right-back's deal set to expire next June. As a result, Real Madrid have reportedly grown interested in signing the 26-year-old defender on a Bosman move in 2025.

Now, according to Bild journalist Christian Falk, Liverpool have added Frimpong to their list of defensive targets. They recently invited the former City youth star's agents to Anfield and are aware of the player's £33 million release clause.

Last season, Frimpong helped Bayer Leverkusen lift their maiden Bundesliga title. He bagged 14 goals and contributed 12 assists in 47 total appearances for Xabi Alonso's outfit, losing just one match across competitions along the way.

Although Frimpong has earned his name playing as a right wing-back in a 3-4-3 system, the Dutchman could start at right full-back should he join Liverpool next summer. He has been in stellar form for Bayer Leverkusen this campaign, registering two goals and eight assists in 23 overall outings so far.

Club urged to sign 26-year-old Liverpool star

Speaking recently to beIN Sports, former Reds midfielder Jason McAteer stated that Chelsea should launch a move for Caoimhin Kelleher in the near future. He said (h/t Metro):

"I think Caoimhin has got to the point in his career now where he's going to have to make a big choice at the end of the season. [He has to decide] If he wants a career somewhere else and play rather than just sit on the bench waiting to get in to play in a number of games for Liverpool. Chelsea is the big one."

McAteer, who represented the Reds between 1995 and 1999, added:

"[Robert] Sanchez, I don't think he's... no. I think they should get Caoimhin now. I think his valuation certainly would have gone up over the last couple of seasons with what we've seen. You're probably maybe looking in the region of £30 million to £40 million. With [Giorgi] Mamardashvili coming in [from his loan spell at Valencia], I think that's saying to him [he can] go and have a career."

Kelleher, 26, is currently relishing an excellent campaign for Arne Slot's side. He has recorded six clean sheets in 12 appearances across competitions for his boyhood club, conceding just 10 goals during Alisson Becker's absence.

Meanwhile, Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has recently received a lot of scrutiny for his error-prone displays this term. The 27-year-old has kept three clean sheets in 14 total games for the Blues so far, picking up four bookings.