Real Madrid refuse to give up on signing Trent Alexander-Arnold in January as they plot move for Liverpool star: Reports

Real Madrid are preparing another bid to sign Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold in January, according to reports. Los Blancos haven't given up on their pursuit of the England international despite seeing their first offer rejected.

Alexander-Arnold has been at the centre of transfer speculation at Anfield alongside Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, with all three Liverpool stars in the final six months of their contracts.

The England right-back has been a marquee player for the Reds, playing an instrumental role in their success under Jurgen Klopp. He has contributed 20 goals and 85 assists in 333 appearances across competitions.

The Liverpool academy graduate has won the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup, among other accolades, at Anfield. His exploits for the Merseysiders and prowess have led to substantial interest from Real Madrid.

It was revealed on New Year's Eve that Los Blancos made an approach to sign Alexander-Arnold permanently in January, but the Reds turned it down. According to Spanish outlet Marca, Liverpool are set to offer a contract renewal for the English defender soon (via Madrid Xtra on X).

However, journalist Paul Joyce reports that Madrid are plotting a second January bid for Alexander-Arnold, with boss Carlo Ancelotti keen on securing his services.

The Spanish giants will reportedly present their bid for the player after Liverpool's offer to renew.

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"It’s only a matter of time before he signs" - Michael Owen makes bold claim after Liverpool reject Real Madrid's bid for Alexander-Arnold

Premier League icon Michael Owen believes Alexander-Arnold is headed to the Bernabeu despite the Merseysiders' decision to decline Real Madrid's January bid.

Owen feels that the La Liga outfit making a move for Alexander-Arnold is an indicator that his time at Anfield is over. The Englishman said that talks over a move to Madrid might have taken place behind the scenes, tweeting:

"The very fact that Real Madrid have now made their intentions clear towards signing Trent Alexander Arnold leads me to believe that it’s only a matter of time before he signs for them. If he was going to sign a contract extension, Madrid wouldn’t have officially made their move. Secretive talks will have taken place. Huge news."

The Merseysiders lead the Premier League by six points over second-placed Arsenal but have a game in hand.