Real Madrid 'rule out IMPOSSIBLE January move' for Trent Alexander-Arnold

Real Madrid have accepted that bringing Trent Alexander-Arnold to the club in the January transfer window is now impossible, according to reports.

The Englishman is amongst a trio of Liverpool stars at risk of being allowed to leave the club for free with Alexander-Arnold, Virgil Van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah all having only a few months remaining on their deals.

Liverpool are actively negotiating with the three stars to extend their stay at Anfield but face competition from a host of Europe's elite teams with Madrid being long-term admirers of Alexander-Arnold.

The reigning Champions League holders have held positive talks with the England international over a move to the Spanish capital and believe a deal will be completed in the summer.

However, Carlo Ancelotti's current defensive injury crisis that see's both Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao dealing with long-term injuries had prompted the club to try and reach an agreement with Liverpool in the January window.

An opening bid of £20m was immediately rejected by Liverpool transfer executives with Madrid considering making another approach to test the Reds' resolve.

However, they have now ruled out returning to negotiations believing that Liverpool value their ongoing sporting project over recouping a fee for Alexander-Arnold, as reported by Marca.

Liverpool are currently top of both the Premier League table and Champions League standings during Arne Slot's dream first season in charge with Alexander-Arnold integral to that success.

Madrid understand Liverpool won't lose a player of Alexander-Arnold's importance midway through the season and have instead accepted he won't be moving to the Santiago Bernabeu this month.

However, Alexander-Arnold currently has no agreement in place with Liverpool and can sign a pre-contract agreement with any European club in January ahead of joining in the summer.

Such an agreement would come as a double blow to Liverpool as they risk losing one of their greatest-ever academy talents without securing any return on their long-term investment.

Another option could also see Alexander-Arnold extend his stay on Merseyside with the England international believed to still be undecided about his future career prospects.

His close relationship with England and Madrid star Jude Bellingham could also influence any future decision and Alexander-Arnold could be tempted by playing for the serial Champions League winners.