Arne Slot points to Steven Gerrard example as Liverpool boss warns Real Madrid on Trent Alexander-Arnold pursuit

Alexander-Arnold, whose Liverpool contract expires next summer, has been linked with a move away from Anfield with Real Madrid being the favourites to secure the defender's signing. Los Blancos reportedly placed their first bid for the player on New Year's Eve, however, the Reds immediately rejected the offer.

Amid uncertainty over the England international's future, manager Slot issued a warning towards the Spanish champions as he cited club legend Steven Gerrard's example. In 2010, the then-Real boss Jose Mourinho tried to sign the midfielder, however, Gerrard rejected the offer to stay back at his boyhood club.

Speaking to reporters, the Dutch coach said: "There was one player (Gerrard) they would have really loved to have but he didn’t come. You know him better than me. So it has happened."

The Merseyside club will be back in action on Sunday as they play their first match of the New Year against rivals Manchester United at Anfield.