'Only a matter of time' - Michael Owen convinced Trent Alexander-Arnold will join Real Madrid as ex-Liverpool striker makes 'secretive talks' claim

The former Liverpool striker believes Alexander-Arnold is now more likely to join Real Madrid than sign a new contract at Anfield. Owen has suggested that the full-back has held "secretive talks" with Los Blancos already which prompted them to formally approach the Premier League club.

The England international has been strongly linked with a move to the Spanish capital for a long time and as per Marca, Real are ready to pay a transfer fee to secure his signature in the January window. Liverpool rejected Real's initial approach, but Owen expects Alexander-Arnold to move to Santiago Bernabeu, either this month or on a free transfer in the summer.

Taking to X, Owen wrote: "The very fact that Real Madrid have now made their intentions clear towards signing Trent Alexander Arnold leads me to believe that it’s only a matter of time before he signs for them. If he was going to sign a contract extension, Madrid wouldn’t have officially made their move. Secretive talks will have taken place. Huge news."

The Merseyside club, who are now eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table with a game in hand, will next take on Manchester United on Sunday at Anfield in the Premier League, with Alexander-Arnold likely to play a starring role for Arne Slot's team once again despite ongoing transfer speculation.