Explained: Why Real Madrid are willing to pay a fee for Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer despite right-back's contract expiring

The full-back, who is Los Blancos' number one transfer target for the summer, will see his Liverpool contract expire on June 30. Initially it was reported that Alexander-Arnold will head to Madrid for free following the expiration of his current deal, but The Sun now reports that the Spanish giants might try and sign the defender in the first week of June.

Madrid are looking to add the English defender to Carlo Ancelotti's squad that will travel to the US for the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off on June 15. As a result, the club are prepared to pay a small transfer fee to the Reds to sign Alexander-Arnold days before his Anfield contract expires. The reigning Spanish champions will begin their journey in the tournament against Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal on June 18.

Arne Slot has still not given up hope on convincing the star full-back to sign a new contract and extend his stay at the Merseyside club. The Dutch manager, though, has identified another academy graduate Conor Bradley as his long-term replacement.

Slot's men will be back in action in the Premier League on Saturday as they host Southampton at Anfield.