Liverpool tight-lipped on Trent Alexander-Arnold amid holiday with Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham

While the hunger for transfers is perhaps reaching its peak for Liverpool fans, there is one matter that far outweighs the need for any new signing .

Speculation continues over the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold , with Real Madrid sniffing around as he enters the final year of his contract at Anfield . The Spanish giant will be able to negotiate a free transfer in January unless Liverpool can tie him down to a new deal.

Fans are understandably desperate for some good news on one of their own, so much so that they’re even seeing messages and hints where there aren’t any .

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There has been some encouragement this week though for supporters fearing the worst. Although the coverings at Anfield turned out to be nothing more than that, there have been suggestions that a new deal could be on the way.

What’s more, the ECHO claims that Alexander-Arnold has already spoken to Arne Slot , with the pair outlining their plans for the summer, which crucially involve the 25-year-old staying put. What lies beyond that though is still up in the air.

Liverpool.com has contacted the club about those claims of a new deal being forthcoming, although – much like Richard Hughes during his first press conference – they weren’t willing to discuss contract matters. Alexander-Arnold’s camp is also remaining tight-lipped at the moment.

All the while, there is one factor that is raising concerns among Liverpool fans. Alexander-Arnold is currently away on holiday with Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid’s star player, no less.

The pair have been spotted partying in Los Angeles and heading out for meals together . Hopefully it proves to be nothing more than a couple of good friends just enjoying their break after a long international summer, but it would be naïve to think Bellingham isn’t going to bring up Real Madrid – and possibly even try to convince Alexander-Arnold to join him at the Bernabeu.

After all, we already know the Liverpool man would do the same. During the 2022 World Cup, he and Jordan Henderson did their best to try and convince Bellingham on a move to Anfield, only for him to be swayed by Los Blancos.

Until we see a picture of Alexander-Arnold with pen in hand back on Merseyside, those fears of a move to Madrid are going to linger. Hughes and Slot’s priority must be to get him to sign a new contract, or risk him joining his friend at the Bernabeu.