'I know what I would do if I was Trent Alexander-Arnold - I hope transfer rumors aren't true'

Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson has admitted he would make the move to Real Madrid if he was in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s shoes .

Speculation continues to rumble over the Reds vice-captain’s future as his contract at Anfield runs down. Alexander-Arnold has just under nine months remaining on his current deal, with no indication yet whether he will extend his stay at his boyhood club.

The 26-year-old is being linked with a move to Real Madrid , and he will be able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with the Spanish giant if he doesn’t sign a new contract at Liverpool before the turn of the year.

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Liverpool fans are getting increasingly concerned at the lack of action over Alexander-Arnold’s future, and matters weren’t helped in any way when he admitted to having fears over whether he would win another trophy last week . The sight of him being reunited with Jude Bellingham over the international break wouldn’t have made supporters feel any better either.

Former Reds hero Lawrenson is among those hoping he will stay put at Anfield, although he has admitted he can understand why Alexander-Arnold would leave for Madrid.

“I can see the allure of it, I hope it’s not true, but I think it might be,” Lawrenson told Liverpool.com on behalf of Sports Casting . “If I were in his position I would make the move, though!

“I got my O-levels in three different languages so I always thought that one day I might end up playing in a foreign country, but that never happened. I can understand why Trent would want to go, even if he goes out there to see what it’s like, he can always come back if it’s not for him.”

Alexander-Arnold isn’t the only big name at Liverpool with an uncertain future, of course. Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah are in the same boat, with their contracts also set to expire at the end of the season.

Whether Liverpool will be able to keep all three of its stars beyond next summer remains to be seen, but Lawrenson is in no doubt as to who should be the Reds’ priority.

“I would move heaven and earth to sign Virgil van Dijk, for many different reasons. He’s got so much ability, his influence on the team is massive, young players and the older players look up to him – he’s a proper captain.

“Obviously it would be great if Liverpool could keep hold of Mohamed Salah, I just have a feeling that Trent Alexander-Arnold might pack up to go and play with his mate at Real Madrid.”