As The Pitch Prospect has learned, Trent Alexander-Arnold is part of a Premier League quartet that Real Madrid are interested in signing.
The Liverpool right-back’s contract at Anfield is less than a year away and there has been intense speculation that he could move to Madrid in the summer.
Alexander-Arnold stayed with the Reds and started all four of new coach Arne Slot’s Premier League games.
However, Madrid could rekindle its interest in the 25-year-old, especially if the prospect of a contract extension remains slim.
The defender is not the only Premier League star to attract Madrid’s interest. Another is Manchester City’s key player Rodri.
The Spanish midfielder has excelled for the reigning champions since signing from Atletico Madrid in 2019, winning every major trophy in City’s blue shirt.
Although his current contract runs until June 2027, City will be hoping he will sign a new deal to fend off any interest.
In addition to Alexander-Arnold and Rodri, central defenders Cristian Romero and William Saliba are also in the Madrilenians’ sights.
The Royals sent scouts out at the weekend to observe the Tottenham and Arsenal defenders in the North London derby.
Although Madrid is arguably the biggest club in world football, it is unlikely that they will be able to sign all four players.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team already includes Kylian Mbappe, who was signed in the summer, as well as Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr.
However, by signing three of the above targets, they could form a potential starting XI that could dominate in Europe.
Alexander-Arnold has 81 assists and 19 goals to his name as a right-back for Liverpool and could be selected ahead of Dani Carvajal in that position.
Carvajal has won four La Liga and six Champions League titles with Madrid but turns 33 in January, so Ancelotti may prefer a younger option.
Saliba, who helped Arsenal have the best defence in the Premier League last season and only conceded 29 goals, could start as right centre-back.
The Frenchman could start alongside Antonio Rüdiger, who has won six trophies in just two years in Madrid since moving from Chelsea.
Rodri could then be the man to strengthen the already strong midfield, as the Spaniard is arguably the best in his position in world football.
Bellingham and Federico Valverde could play a more advanced role with Rodri as an anchor, supporting a formidable attack consisting of Mbappe, Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo.