I know what it's like to be wanted by Real Madrid - this is my Trent Alexander-Arnold prediction

Trent Alexander-Arnold is in the final year of his Liverpool contract and Real Madrid, it is no secret, is lurking in the background. With 75 days left until clubs abroad can negotiate with the Reds' vice-captain over a free transfer ahead of next summer, the clock is ticking.

Jermaine Pennant, the former Liverpool winger, believes that a deal will be done with Alexander-Arnold to stay on Merseyside, but he is perfectly placed to understand the potential lure of a move to Spain. In 2020, Pennant revealed that he nearly signed for Real Madrid as his contract at Liverpool was running down.

In the end, though, the plug was pulled on the deal and he ended up staying in the Premier League . "When I was at Liverpool , Real Madrid came to sign me in my last year of contract," Pennant told El Periodico de Aragon. "[My agent] Sky Andrew held negotiations with the president, and he gave the green light to the agreement for about €4m (£3m/$4m)."

"But Juande Ramos was not aware of that agreement," he claimed. "So when he found out, he decided to knock the deal down. I went from Madrid to Portsmouth. A big change."

With his contract in its last few months as things stand, Alexander-Arnold is in a similar position — though it is highly unlikely that an exit would be sanctioned in January. And the lure of Real Madrid is clear.

"Speaking from my experience, it is very appetizing when Real Madrid are linked with you," Pennant tells Liverpool.com . "We know how much of a great club it is and they are constantly winning trophies. They attract the best of the best around the world, so when they're knocking, it's good for your confidence and your ego.

"But I don't think Liverpool need to pitch anything to make him stay. He is a Scouser and he loves Liverpool. He would never play for another club in England.

"It's all about wages. Give Trent Alexander-Arnold what he is worth: if his representatives are saying X, Y and Z, just get the deal done. We're not talking about extravagant demands, the toppest of the top earners at the club. I'm sure there is a deal there to be struck."

There is still time for Liverpool to get a deal over the line not just with Alexander-Arnold but also with Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, who are both in similar positions. And Pennant has urged the Reds to pay whatever it takes.

"We all know Liverpool have got a model and they have stuck to it, but if you want to be successful and compete with Man City and Arsenal then something has to give," he continues. "Trent may not be asking for the same wages as Mo Salah, but you have to put him among the top earners because he is one of the key players.

"You know your own ability and if you are a constant performer, playing well, and matching the other players around you and they're on bigger wages, you're thinking "I'm just as good, if not better". Then you have every right to ask for more money.

"If you are working in the office and you do the same job, but the next person is on more... it is no different in football. When one goes, I'm sure it will be like a domino effect and the rest will get sorted. It's a business: Liverpool want to get it done as cheap as possible but the players want as much as possible for their services.

"To find what Trent gives you in the modern game, in terms of a right-back, is almost impossible. He is unique and if you look around the world, is there anyone who can do what Trent can do? For me, he's the one who I'd like to see sign first."

Liverpool.com says: Getting Alexander-Arnold tied down to a new deal is simply a must. There is no other option available for Liverpool, even though the lateness of the negotiations means some lost leverage. Even if they have to pay a bit more, the Reds can't afford to lose such a quality player for nothing.