Diogo Jota has hinted that a new Liverpool deal for Trent Alexander-Arnold could be close.
The future of the Reds right-back, whose contract expires in the summer, has left fans sweating over the prospect of his departure, especially with Real Madrid among his potential suitors. However, a telling comment from Jota has suggested a new deal could, in fact, be in the pipeline.
When quizzed on Sky Sports about what Christmas gift he might get for the 26-year-old, Jota responded with a grin, saying: "Paper and a pen, so he can sign his new contract."
His laughter, shared by the interviewer, left supporters speculating about a fresh twist in the Alexander-Arnold's contract saga. One said: “Is it delusional to think Diogo Jota wouldn’t joke about Trent’s contract unless he was more likely to sign a new one?”
Another asked: “Can we genuinely expect [a] Trent contract in form of a Christmas present on Christmas Day?” A third pondered: “Does Jota know something we don’t?”
An fourth said: "Diogo is all of us. Come on bro, you know what to do." And another added: "For this only, Jota deserves new contract."
Alexander-Arnold recently opened up about his future ambitions amid the speculation over his future. Speaking on the Men in Blazers podcast, he said: "Of course winning more trophies, but on a personal level, building a legacy, that is something that is important.
"Being spoken about in the highest regard, especially after you have finished. In 10, 15 years, if I am spoken about as one of the best right-backs, or the best right-back, that is what I am playing for now and using it as motivation."
Despite constant rumours linking him with Real Madrid, the Liverpool-born player remains focused on the Reds. He said: "I've been a fan, I know the emotions in the game.
"I've got people around me who are all fans so, of course, I probably see it and am more open to it than other players as I've got a lot more connections who love the club. But whether I feel it more or less, I don't know."
While there is fresh optimism surrounding the future of Alexander-Arnold, the contract situations of Mohamed Salah and Van Dijk remain uncertain, with the experienced duo still to agree new deals themselves.