Roy Keane rubbishes Trent Alexander-Arnold's chances of sealing Real Madrid transfer as Liverpool star is torn apart for 'schoolboy' first-half showing vs Man Utd

The Liverpool defender is seeing his contract at Anfield run down, with free agency set to be hit in the summer of 2025. La Liga giants Real are said to be making efforts to bring him onto their books during the January transfer window.

Alexander-Arnold’s ability going forward, with an impressive haul of assists to his name, has made him of obvious interest to Champions League title holders in Spain. Questions have, however, been asked of his defensive ability over the course of a distinguished career.

More of those were aimed in the England international right-back’s direction during a Premier League clash with United, as the Red Devils exposed frailties in his area of the field and regularly broke into space behind. That led to Keane telling Sky Sports: “We talk about how brilliant Trent is going forward but Trent’s defending today, my goodness. It’s like schoolboy stuff. There’s talk about him going to Real Madrid, but the way he’s defending he’ll be going to Tranmere Rovers after this. Got to do better.”

Liverpool’s Merseyside neighbours quickly responded to that quip, saying on social media: “Trent to Tranmere, Roy? Nah, we're alright thanks.” Said post was accompanied by a picture of wing-back Cameron Norman, who scored their winner against Carlisle last time out.

Alexander-Arnold saw the opening goal in Liverpool’s clash with United come from his area of the pitch, as Lisandro Martinez crashed a shot in off the underside of the crossbar from a tight angle.