Real Madrid could move to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold as soon as January, according to a report.
The Liverpool defender is out of contract at the end of the season, with speculation over his future rife and seemingly little progress being made in contract negotiations.
He has spent his entire career with the Reds, becoming one of the best passers in world football, and Madrid's interest in his services has been little secret over the last few months.
While he could still sign a new deal at Anfield, it is looking more and more as though he will leave the club, with the 26-year-old allowed to speak to other clubs in January and move for free at the end of the season and Liverpool thought to becoming more accepting of the fact a deal may not be agreed.
He may not last that long, meanwhile. According to Marca, Madrid could move earlier than planned to sign Alexander-Arnold in a bid to solve some of their defensive issues mid-season.
Real Madrid could look to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold in January, according to a report
The Liverpool defender's contract is up in the summer with little progress being made in negotiations
Carlo Ancelotti's side are looking for a solution at right back following Dani Carvajal's injury
The report suggests that Madrid have been long planning their January business, with work accelerating in the last few days due to it being the international break.
First-choice right back Dani Carvajal suffered a season-ending knee injury during his side's last game, with manager Carlo Ancelotti now scrambling to try and find a replacement.
Alexander-Arnold is the club's first-choice pick to replace him from a transfer standpoint, while the likes of Jeremie Frimpong are also admired.
It is understood, however, that Frimpong's contract with Bayer Leverkusen runs until 2027, meaning it would be easier to do business with Alexander-Arnold due to the limited involvement Liverpool could have in the deal.
Madrid are thought to believe that Liverpool may be willing to do business in January to recoup any kind of fee for one of their most-important players.
It is, however, thought that Madrid will only look to make a winter move if internal solutions don't work out.
Madrid are also reported to be keen to sign a left-footed centre back.
The Spaniard suffered a season-ending knee injury in Madrid's last game before the international break
Arne Slot's side are reportedly beginning to accept that Alexander-Arnold may not sign a new deal
He has been at Liverpool since 2004 having made his way through the age group ranks
For Liverpool, meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold is not the only concern, with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk also out of contract at the end of the year.
Salah issued almost a plea for negotiations earlier this season when he suggested there had been no talks, with there still no sign of any agreement with any of the three players.
Alexander-Arnold joined Liverpool in 2006, while Van Dijk signed in 2018 and Salah 2017.
Between them, they have made 957 appearances for Liverpool (Alexander-Arnold 319, Van Dijk 279, Salah 359).