Trent Alexander-Arnold has already made his feelings clear on Real Madrid in boost to Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold has already made his feelings clear on Real Madrid in a major boost to Liverpool .

The Reds right-back was linked with a move to Los Blancos over the summer as the La Liga champions toyed with the idea of waiting to sign him on a free transfer in 12 months time.

There were also fears that the 25-year-old's bromance with England teammate Jude Bellingham could also play a huge part in deciding his future at Anfield after entering the final year of his current deal.

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Thankfully for the Reds, Alexander-Arnold remains a Liverpool player for now, even if he is yet to extend his stay on Merseyside beyond the current campaign, meaning the likes of Real Madrid could approach him with a pre-contract agreement as early as January.

But previous comments from the England international over who his favorite club is have resurfaced - and it's not the current Champions League holders. Instead, the academy graduate named El Classico rivals Barcelona as his second favorite side, potentially putting to bed any fears over a move to the Spanish capital.

Speaking to British GQ in 2020, Alexander-Arnold said: "My favorite team besides Liverpool? Would be Barca. I feel they have the same values and beliefs as Liverpool and like to play players from the academy. I grew up watching Messi and that great Barcelona team with Iniesta and Xavi."

Ironically, however, Barcelona was also briefly mentioned to hold an interest in the Liverpool defender this summer. Last month, it was reported the Catalans were eyeing up a ludicrous $88million (£67m/€79m) swoop for the right-back, before AS reiterated the club is "very interested" in a deal soon after.

Then, last week, it was claimed that Barcelona and Real Madrid will go head-to-head for Alexander-Arnold next summer. According to fresh reports in Spain, as per Football365 , the La Liga giants "are fighting over" the player on a free transfer ahead of next summer and "both have started to move to secure the Englishman".

It was also added that both clubs have already begun to establish contact with the player’s entourage, "who would not be against a change of scenery after a decade at Anfield".

While it would appear Alexander-Arnold may prefer a move to Barcelona having previously named him as his second-favorite club behind Liverpool, Reds fans can still take peace from the fact the Catalan club are continuing to face financial complications.

Should Liverpool's academy graduate fail to sign a new deal before the end of the season, then Barcelona can swoop for the player on a free transfer, of course. However, his high wage demands are likely to pose issues for the Nou Camp outfit unless it can sort out its finances - which at this point, still remain a mess.