‘Wait and see’: Real Madrid keep their counsel over Trent Alexander-Arnold

Carlo Ancelotti has refused to be drawn on Real Madrid’s pursuit of the Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Champions League holders were rebuffed when they made an initial inquiry about the England right-back’s availability a few days ago.

Liverpool are determined to hang on to the 26-year-old, whose contract expires in the summer, and a reported potential second approach from the Spanish club, backed by an offer of about £20m, is unlikely to sway their resolve.

Ancelotti, the Madrid coach, told a press conference when asked about January signings: “It is difficult for me to talk about that in this context. But we are going to have to wait and see. We are focused on all these games in January and the game tomorrow [against Valencia] and I’ve got nothing more to say. It’s not sensible for me to speak about the market right now.

“I’m not going to speak about it because right now, here, is not the place to talk about it. We will see what will happen but I have a great squad. We have got injuries and problems with that but we are also able to overcome them.”

When Madrid made contact it is understood they were told Liverpool had no inclination to sell Alexander-Arnold and and no intention of discussing the matter further because the club are focused on the dual challenge of the Premier League and Champions League, where they lead both tables.

That stance will not change despite increased speculation during the January transfer window, heightened by the fact the player is free to sign a pre-contract agreement. Liverpool are still hoping to broker a deal which keeps the academy graduate at the club.

Discussions with the player and his representatives – his brother Tyler looks after his interests – over a new contract have been continuing for months and the club have been given no indication Alexander-Arnold would like to leave.

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Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, also both out of contract in the summer, have spoken out about their personal situations in recent months. Alexander Arnold said last month: “I have been at the club 20 years now and I have signed four or five contract extensions ... and none of those have been played out in public. This one won’t be either.”

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