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

Strong new reports have revealed Real Madrid's confidence of signing Trent Alexander-Arnold by the summer at the latest - and potentially as soon as this month.

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.

Liverpool are considering a move for Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich as a potential replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, according to reports. Alexander-Arnold has entered the last six months of his Liverpool contract and can talk to clubs outside England about signing on a free transfer.

Arnold's Liverpool future remains uncertain, particularly in the wake of that awful display against Manchester United. Now even Real Madrid players are being asked about his future.

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.

Jamie Redknapp has warned Liverpool fans that turning down Real Madrid will be "almost impossible" for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

In a somewhat sensational report, Relevo claims that Madrid are "one step away" from completing the signing of Alexander-Arnold this month. The report says that Liverpool have now opened the door to sell him in January in order to avoid losing him for nothing in six months.