Real Madrid names its maximum price in attempt to sign Trent ...

Real Madrid is willing to pay in the region of $25 million to $31 million for Trent Alexander-Arnold to move to the club in January, according to a recent report.

News emerged on New Year’s Eve that the 15-time European champion made an approach for the Liverpool right-back to complete a mid-season move to Madrid. It was immediately knocked back by Liverpool, who is determined to focus on securing trophies this season rather than receiving a financial pay-out.

The Telegraph reports that the Reds remain ‘adamant’ that Alexander-Arnold won't be going anywhere as they hunt down a record-equalling 20th top-flight title, while Real is ‘prepared to pay $25m' to sign the England international in January.

The outlet adds that lengthy contract talks have been ongoing between Liverpool and Alexander-Arnold for months, but the club feels it is unable to match the wages offered by the likes of Real or Manchester City.

“Liverpool have still not given up hope of convincing their vice-captain to sign a new long-term Anfield contract instead of moving to Real Madrid on a free-transfer at the end of this season,” the Telegraph states. “In the light of Real’s move, many will believe the likelihood of Alexander-Arnold staying at Anfield is receding.”

Real’s move does strengthen the belief that there will be an inevitable parting of the ways between Liverpool and Alexander-Arnold.

“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,” Michael Owen wrote on X. “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.”

Meanwhile, Jamie Carragher was critical of Alexander-Arnold and his representatives, claiming that the boyhood red is taking the focus away from Liverpool’s on-field ambitions.

“The most important thing for [Liverpool] in 2025 is winning the [Premier League]. No one’s contract or future should come in the way of that,” the former defender posted on social media.

“I love Trent as a lad & a player, but his team would’ve told Real Madrid to bid & also would’ve known LFC would turn it down. It’s to try & cover themselves when he leaves for free. Again it’s something the club/fans don’t need with a huge game coming up.”

It will, therefore, be interesting to see what sort of reception Alexander-Arnold receives on Sunday when Liverpool hosts Manchester United in the Premier League. With Arsenal playing twice before then, the Gunners could reduce Liverpool’s current lead at the top of the table to three points.