Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool(Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Liverpool have been handed a potential boost surrounding the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Reds vice-captain has been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield in recent weeks as he nears the final six months of his current contract.

Alexander-Arnold’s deal is set to expire at the end of the season and talks remain underway between Liverpool and his representatives over an extension. As things stand, the 26-year-old would be able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside England when the January transfer window opens.

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It remains to be seen what will happen with Alexander-Arnold’s future in the months ahead. Real Madrid have been credited with an interest in signing Alexander-Arnold in recent months, with the Spanish giants increasingly linked with a move for the right-back when his contract expires.

However, it seems that Madrid’s latest decision may hand Liverpool a boost when it comes to Alexander-Arnold’s future. According to Spanish news outlet Relevo, Madrid have identified an alternative target to Alexander-Arnold.

The report claims that Madrid are weighing up a move to sign Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot. It has been reported that the La Liga giants have been informed that they would need to pay €50million (£41.5million) to sign the Portugal international.

Dalot, it has been reported, has been identified as the player Madrid will try and sign if they fail to prise Alexander-Arnold out of Liverpool. However, it seems that the Spanish giants still view the Reds right-back as their primary target going into 2025.

Madrid have been heavily linked with signing a new right-back amid their injury woes this season. Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are ruled out for the remainder of the campaign with knee injuries, while David Alaba has been sidelined since December last year with a similar injury.