Yahoo Sport 
Liverpool receives the worst Trent Alexander-Arnold news possible and Arne Slot should be worried
Liverpool has been dealt a major blow in its hopes of keeping hold of Trent Alexander-Arnold beyond the current campaign.
The Reds have been battling constant speculation surrounding the 26-year-old's future as they try to tie him down to a new deal, with the academy graduate set to leave on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract next summer as things stand.
However, it's been largely hoped that Alexander-Arnold will put pen-to-paper on a fresh deal, opting to stay on Merseyside in order to further write himself into the history books and one day achieve his ambition of captaining the side.
But a bombshell report from The Athletic has now confirmed that Real Madrid has made Liverpool's No.66 its priority transfer ahead of next summer.
It comes as devastating news for Liverpool and Arne Slot, who are desperate for Alexander-Arnold to remain on Merseyside beyond this season.
With the defender also able to enter pre-contract negotiations from January, it leaves the Reds with just over two months to get the right-back to sign a new deal, otherwise the unthinkable is looking even more likely to happen once the New Year rolls around.
And with Alexander-Arnold already building up a budding bromance with England teammate and Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham, those fears of a move to the Spanish giant next summer are becoming more real with each passing week.
With Real Madrid making Alexander-Arnold its priority transfer, it guarantees that the Champions League holders will move heaven and earth to sign him in less than 12 months time.
That means drastically improved wages and almost guaranteed silverware each season. Furthermore, the promise of playing with superstars such as Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, along with best mate Bellingham, is an exciting prospect for any player.
Previous reports have already claimed that Real Madrid has come up with 'three positions' for Alexander-Arnold to play, including further up the pitch in midfield areas, both inside and out wide, that offer him the chance to develop his game even more and explore new opportunities.
How Liverpool responds to this news is likely to determine whether its local lad stays or goes next year, setting up a vital few months - or even weeks - for both parties.
