Real Madrid open to signing Premier League defender in January - Reports

Real Madrid are open to signing Premier League defender Trent Alexander-Arnold in the upcoming January transfer window, according to TBRFootball. The Liverpool vice-captain is currently in the final year of his contract and will be able to speak with other clubs to sign a pre-contract from January 1, 2025.

There has been a lot of uncertainty around Alexander-Arnold's contract situation at Anfield. The fans widely expect him to renew at the club, where he came through the academy and broke into the first team, rising through the ranks to become vice-captain.

Other clubs are monitoring this situation, with Real Madrid actively interested in a move for the right-back, who has played 325 first-team games for the club, scoring 19 goals and providing 83 assists.

As per the aforementioned report, Los Blancos are looking to sign a full-back this January, and they have spoken with Liverpool about Alexander-Arnold.

Rather than wait to sign the 26-year-old on a free transfer in the summer, Madrid would like to get things done in January, and for understandable reasons. The Spanish giants have seen injuries decimate their options at right-back, with midfielder Federico Valverde notably filling in.

For Liverpool, selling Trent Alexander-Arnold in January might be the better option, as they get to receive a fee for him. If he leaves in the summer, it will be for free.

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Carlo Ancelotti speaks about Kylian Mbappe's struggles at Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti opened up about Kylian Mbappe's current struggles at Real Madrid following his failure to find the net against Liverpool. The two sides faced off in a UEFA Champions League clash at Anfield on November 27, with the Reds winning 2-0.

Mbappe had just two shots at goal in the game, with one coming from the penalty spot. He also failed to convert a penalty, with his unconvincing effort saved by Reds goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.

In his post-match press conference, Ancelotti predicted it could be a confidence issue with the Frenchman, saying (via ESPN):

"It could be a lack of confidence. Sometimes, when you have a moment when things aren't going well, the idea is to play simply, and you can complicate things a bit. He's scored a lot of penalties. Sometimes you can miss one. He has to work, keep fighting, and the moment will pass."

Real Madrid will hope Kylian Mbappe returns to goal-scoring form. He has scored just three goals in his last 10 games across all appearances, which has raised concerns at the Santiago Bernabeu.