Liverpool have reportedly taken positive steps forward in their efforts to tie Trent Alexander-Arnold down to a new long-term contract.
The Reds' vice-captain is one of three high-profile players now in the last 12 months of their terms at Anfield, the others being Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.
While the long-term futures of the latter two are a bit more uncertain, as both have now entered their 30s, negotiations with boyhood talent Alexander-Arnold were always expected to be the smoothest.
Real Madrid and Barcelona are said to be lurking and ready to pounce if talks between Alexander-Arnold and Liverpool break down, which could see the defender exit on a free transfer in 2025.
However, Football Insider claims that Liverpool have now initiated discussions with the player's camp over a contract renewal, and progress was made in those negotiations.
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Liverpool 'confident' of agreement before end of year
The report adds that all sides are confident of an agreement being reached, and Liverpool are keeping their fingers crossed that Alexander-Arnold's renewal will be rubber-stamped in the next few months.
Under his current agreement, which he signed in 2021, the England international is thought to be the third-highest paid player at Liverpool on £180,000 a week, according to figures from Capology.
Only Salah (£350,000 pw) and Van Dijk (£220,000 pw) earn more than Alexander-Arnold, but the 25-year-old could supposedly expect a 'huge' pay rise to bring him in line with the duo.
Head coach Arne Slot is also determined not to lose Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer next year, as the Dutchman supposedly views the Liverpool native as the perfect successor to Van Dijk as captain.
The Reds' vice-captain is not believed to be pushing for an exit from Liverpool, but he is extremely close with Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, which has fuelled the discussion over a possible Bernabeu switch.
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Alexander-Arnold has now celebrated 20 years as a Liverpool player, having joined their academy setup in 2004, since when he has recorded 19 goals and 81 assists in 310 matches for his boyhood team.
The 25-year-old has won seven different pieces of silverware at Anfield, including the Premier League and Champions League, and he made four appearances for England during their run to the Euro 2022 final.
What is the latest on Van Dijk, Salah's situations?
As Liverpool make progress in discussions with Alexander-Arnold, there have been no significant updates on Van Dijk and Salah, although both players' situations are on the agenda of sporting director Richard Hughes.
The Reds will be expected to offer new deals to the experienced pair, although Salah remains a long-term target for the Saudi Pro League, and a sale before the deadline is not completely beyond the realm of possibility if he does not extend his contract.
Salah, Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold are all set to be involved in Sunday's home friendly against Sevilla, which will be Slot's first game in charge of Liverpool at Anfield.
Ben Knapton
![Liverpool manager Arne Slot pictured in May 2024 [IMAGO]](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1 "Liverpool manager Arne Slot pictured in May 2024 [IMAGO]")
