Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly pushing to land a Liverpool star who is in the final of year of his contract.
The Italian tactician has been a big fan of Trent Alexander-Arnold since managing rivals Everton from December 2019 to June 2021, and he is now the "driving force" behind the LALIGA outfit's pursuit of the player, according to Football Insider.
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It is believed little progress has been made in the Reds' attempt to extend the 26-year-old's stay at Anfield beyond the end of the current season.
After Dani Carvajal (32) sustained a torn cruciate ligament during his side's 2-0 victory over Villarreal before the international break, Los Blancos' need to sign a new right-back has been accelerated.
As a result, the reigning UEFA Champions League winners are expected to increase their efforts to secure the Merseyside defender.
Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, is currently thought to be considering his options, with the interest coming from the LALIGA giants said to be proving "difficult to resist".
If the fullback has not signed a renewal by January, he will be free to speak to other foreign clubs and negotiate a pre-contractual agreement.
The Premier League giants are understood to be pushing for the star to sign a new deal, but concerns are growing amid delays in talks.
It has further been suggested that the Liverpool star's close relationship with compatriot Jude Bellingham could work in the Spanish outfit's favour.
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The defender recently played a starring role for his national side, scoring a free-kick to help the Three Lions to a 3-1 win over Finland in a UEFA Nations League encounter on Sunday.