Real Madrid have reportedly set their sights on acquiring the services of a Liverpool defender this summer.
Los Blancos have enjoyed yet another successful campaign in their history, already securing the La Liga title with several matches to spare.
As well as going through the formalities of completing their domestic season, Carlo Ancelotti's side also have a Champions League final with Borussia Dortmund on their schedule.
Off-the-pitch matters are expected to be similarly busy with Kylian Mbappe on the brink of moving to the Santiago Bernabeu on a free transfer after confirming that he will leave Paris Saint-Germain.
However, Real will also focus attention on other areas of the pitch, particularly the full-back positions where they either require more competition or need to lower the average age.
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Real ready to move for Liverpool defender
That is the case at right-back with each of Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez now 32 years of age, albeit still performing to a level that that has seen both players earn regular game time during 2023-24.
Nevertheless, there is an understanding that a long-term replacement will soon have to be sought, and it has been suggested that could come as early as the next transfer window.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Real president Florentino Perez holds an interest in signing Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Speaking to the Debrief Podcast, Romano said: "Now, it is also true, from what I am told that Real Madrid have a concrete interest in Trent Alexander-Arnold.
"They are monitoring his situation. At the moment there is no direct contact with his agent or with the player because it is still too early. So Real Madrid are closely following the situation.
"Let's see the next steps. At the moment, from what I am hearing, there is no concrete negotiation between Liverpool and Trent Alexander-Arnold. That is why Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on the situation."
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What is Alexander-Arnold's situation?
Alexander-Arnold has already secured his legacy at Liverpool, contributing 19 goals and 81 assists from 309 appearances since coming through the academy system.
With a Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, EFL and Club World Cup to his name, the 25-year-old has also claimed all the top silverware at Anfield.
However, Alexander-Arnold has reached a stage where he has just 13-and-a-half months remaining on his contract, and decisions need to be made on his future.
Jurgen Klopp is expected to be replaced Arne Slot, another factor added into the mix, and like in the cases of Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, Liverpool need to establish how they will handle the scenario under a new recruitment team.
Darren Plant
