Liverpool have dropped Trent Alexander-Arnold from their Carabao Cup semi-final starting XI while the defender is being heavily linked with a move to Real Madri

Real Madrid have been dealt a blow in their bid to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool as a rival Euro giant has reportedly 'taken a firm step' to beat them to the punch.

Liverpool have no intention of engaging in games with Alexander-Arnold or Real. And sources have revealed to TEAMtalk there is a concrete possibility they will put a deadline on when the defender must give them a final decision, to ensure the saga doesn’t drag and distract Alexander-Arnold from his football.

The 20-year-old forward Charles Sagoe Jr has returned to Arsenal from a loan spell with League One side Shrewsbury Town, but that is unrelated to the current injury crisis. After Sagoe Jr made just five starts in the first half of the season, Shrewsbury opted to terminate the loan arrangement.

Virgil van Dijk is one of three Liverpool stars who are currently free to negotiate with foreign clubs over a free transfer.

Real Madrid star Lucas Vasquez has become the first player from the Spanish side to publicly address the rumours linking Trent Alexander-Arnold to the club.

Liverpool are still waiting for an answer over their contract extension offer to Trent Alexander-Arnold. The England international is now firmly into the final six months of his contract at Anfield alongside Mohamed Salah and club captain Virgil van Dijk.

Real Madrid have received confirmation of the immediate plans of Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is expected to hook up with the Bernabeu side on a free transfer in the summer.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is not starting for Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg meeting with Tottenham, and Arne Slot has explained the thinking behind his decision

There may yet be another twist in the tale of Trent Alexander-Arnold's future. Real Madrid are hot in their pursuit of the right-back meanwhile Liverpool have struggled to tie him down to a new deal.