Real Madrid could move again in January for Trent Alexander-Arnold | OneFootball

Real Madrid could renew their efforts to sign Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold in January, but will happily wait until the summer if the Premier League leaders refuse to sell, reports claim.

Alexander-Arnold is among a handful of big names heading towards free agency and the timing for Madrid appears perfect as 32-year-old Dani Carvajal reaches the final stages of his illustrious career.

The Athletic writes that Madrid are 'confident' of signing Alexander-Arnold in the summer, however a January move could help facilitate a push towards winning a record-extending 16th Champions League.

Liverpool have already rebuffed an approach from Madrid to sign Alexander-Arnold this month, with the Reds pushing back so quickly that no detailed discussion over a potential transfer fee even took place.

If Liverpool were okay with letting Alexander-Arnold leave mid-season, so as to ensure they at least pocket some kind of transfer fee, it's said that Madrid would be happy to "agree a fair price" in January. What the European champions might consider that number to be is not divulged.

The need for Alexander-Arnold sooner rather than later seemingly outweighs the desire to avoid paying a transfer fee for him. With Carvajal ruled out until the summer, Madrid lack a senior right-back beyond veteran converted winger Lucas Vazquez.

Strengthening in that position is seen as more important than recruiting at centre-back, where the squad has been similarly ravaged by injury, and Alexander-Arnold's added quality is seen as a potential game changer in Europe.

Alexander-Arnold expressed a dream earlier this season to become the first full-back to win the Ballon d'Or, which would be more possible as a Real Madrid player. He also counts existing Bernabeu star and compatriot Jude Bellingham among his closest friends in football.