Trent Alexander-Arnold banned from taking preferred shirt number at Real Madrid as exit from Liverpool gathers pace

The right-back has long been linked with a move to the Spanish giants, but talk of an imminent summer switch gathered pace this week following reports he has agreed to sign a contract that will see him net around €15 million (£13m/$16m) a year.

The 26-year-old has worn the number 66 shirt since his initial breakthrough at Liverpool and may have had his heart set on adopting the same figure at the Santiago Bernabeu next season. However, La Liga rules dictate players can only be assigned numbers between one and 25, reflecting the maximum size of the squad.

Alexander-Arnold will see his 21-year association with Liverpool come to an end when his contract expires in the summer. By the time he departs, he will have played over 350 games for the Anfield club.

The England international is currently sidelined with an injury will miss the Premier League showdown against Everton on April 2 as Arne Slot's side close in on the title.