Real Madrid have been dealt a blow in their bid to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool as a rival Euro giant has reportedly 'taken a firm step' to beat them to the punch.

Liverpool have dropped Trent Alexander-Arnold from their Carabao Cup semi-final starting XI while the defender is being heavily linked with a move to Real Madri

Madrid are sold on the Liverpool right-back’s talents. Here's why the European champions are so keen to sign him

Strong new reports have revealed Real Madrid's confidence of signing Trent Alexander-Arnold by the summer at the latest - and potentially as soon as this month.

Former Liverpool star Glen Johnson has identified how Liverpool could potentially stop Trent Alexander-Arnold from joining Real Madrid. Alexander-Arnold is heav

Real Madrid star Lucas Vasquez has become the first player from the Spanish side to publicly address the rumours linking Trent Alexander-Arnold to the club.

The 20-year-old forward Charles Sagoe Jr has returned to Arsenal from a loan spell with League One side Shrewsbury Town, but that is unrelated to the current injury crisis. After Sagoe Jr made just five starts in the first half of the season, Shrewsbury opted to terminate the loan arrangement.

Virgil van Dijk is one of three Liverpool stars who are currently free to negotiate with foreign clubs over a free transfer.

Liverpool are still waiting for an answer over their contract extension offer to Trent Alexander-Arnold. The England international is now firmly into the final six months of his contract at Anfield alongside Mohamed Salah and club captain Virgil van Dijk.

Real Madrid have received confirmation of the immediate plans of Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is expected to hook up with the Bernabeu side on a free transfer in the summer.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is not starting for Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg meeting with Tottenham, and Arne Slot has explained the thinking behind his decision