Liverpool to hold crunch talks with star player amid Real Madrid interest: Reports

Liverpool are allegedly set to hold contract talks with vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has attracted transfer interest from La Liga giants Real Madrid of late.

Alexander-Arnold, 25, currently has just a year left on his Reds deal, with Europe's top clubs closely monitoring his situation at his boyhood team now. In the past few weeks, he has allegedly been identified as a star who could become a part of their new 'Galacticos' squad.

However, according to Football Insider, Liverpool are set to sit down with the right-back to sort out his contract situation in the near future. Reds manager Arne Slot is said to be desperate to keep hold of the England international, who is in no rush to depart as things stand.

Alexander-Arnold, who has reportedly been earmarked as the future captain of the Reds, could also choose to join Real Madrid this summer. The player's relationship with Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham is allegedly expected to influence his decision.

Should Alexander-Arnold decide to join Real Madrid, he would emerge as a crucial first-team starter for them. He would displace Daniel Carvajal, who will turn 33 next January, as their first-choice right-back.

Alexander-Arnold, who is renowned for his set-pieces, has made 310 appearances across competitions for Liverpool so far. The Real Madrid target has contributed 19 goals and 81 assists for the Reds so far.

Liverpool legend Steve Nicol offers opinion on Reds' Premier League hopes next term

Speaking on ESPN FC, Reds great Steve Nicol claimed that Liverpool will finish in a top-four spot in the Premier League under Arne Slot next campaign. He said:

"I think they will make the top four [next season]. I just don't think they are going to be challenging for the title. I would say that and I wouldn't call it a concern because we've seen with Manchester United how hard they've had it after [Sir Alex] Ferguson [left in 2013]."

Nicol, who played for the Reds between 1981 and 1994, concluded:

"[Jurgen] Klopp wasn't quite as successful as Fergie, but it's a similar situation. You're replacing someone who looks as though is just going to be impossible to replace."

Last season, Liverpool finished third in the Premier League standings. They ended with 82 points from 38 games and also won the EFL Cup.

Slot, on the other hand, guided Feyenoord to an Eredivisie runners-up finish in the 2023-24 campaign and to KNVB Cup glory after six years.