TAA DENIES he's trying to persuade Jude Bellingham to join Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold has played down suggestions that he's persuading Jude Bellingham to join him at Liverpool.

The pair are both in the England squad, with Gareth Southgate's side currently unbeaten and into the last-16 of the World Cup.

Bellingham has long been linked with a move to Liverpool and speculations of a move to Merseyside ramped up recently after taking a photo with Alexander-Arnold.

The right-back captioned the photo, which was posted on Instagram: 'Stroll in the city with Bro.' Bellingham commented in response: 'My brother.'

Quizzed by Liverpool fans' reaction, Alexander-Arnold told BBC Radio 5 Live: 'I'm just going out with a mate aren't I?' he said. 'Everyone saying 'Agent Trent' but no...

'We went out a few of us yesterday, we were given the day off so had a decent day out.'

'No course not, no. We just decided to get a pic. World Cups are once in a lifetime or a couple of times, not many people can say they've been to them. So it's good to get some pictures on board - that's what we tried to do.'

Alexander-Arnold has struggled for minutes in the World Cup, played just 33 minutes which came against Wales.

In contrast, Bellingham has shone for England in Qatar so far, starting in all three group games, getting on the scoresheet in the opening game against Iran.

The Borussia Dortmund has been linked with a number of clubs including Manchester City and La Liga giants Real Madrid.

Liverpool will have to break their bank if they're to sign Bellingham and strengthen a much-criticised midfield next summer.

Bellingham and Co will return to action when they take-on Senegal in the last-16 at Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday night.

A win for the Three Lions will see them face the winner of France vs Poland in the quarter-finals.