Agent Jude! Bellingham's relationship with Trent Alexander-Arnold could prove pivotal to Real Madrid's pursuit of Liverpool ace

Alexander-Arnold is reportedly being targeted by Real Madrid as the 15-time Champions League winners look to replace an ageing Dani Carvajal. As per reports earlier this week, Los Blancos have already opened talks with the 25-year-old over signing him as a free agent when his current deal with Liverpool expires in the summer of 2025.

Journalist Miguel Delaney has now revealed that while Alexander-Arnold may not be too keen to leave Liverpool, his friendship and overall relationship with Bellingham may aid Real Madrid in their bid to convince the full-back to make the move to Santiago Bernabeu next summer.

In his newsletter Reading The Game, Delaney wrote: "Liverpool are meanwhile going through a familiar feeling, and it isn’t just the excitement of a potential title race. It’s something much less enjoyable. It’s when one of the big Spanish two essentially start a campaign to get one of your stars. This week saw more leaks in Spain that Real Madrid have a contract ready to go for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who hasn’t yet shown any willingness to agree a new deal with Liverpool.

"It has been stated in this newsletter before that he increasingly fancies time at Europe’s major clubs while he is in his prime, and some close to the player believe he should go for precisely that reason. There will similarly be expectations at the Bernabeu that Jude Bellingham, Alexander-Arnold’s close friend, continues to press upon him the greatness of Madrid in this international break.

"An element of strategic diplomacy is still required there, though. Figures close to the Bernabeu hierarchy maintain that they can’t yet be too overt, as they don’t want to put out a club legend like Dani Carvajal."

Regardless of the rumours, the Liverpool star will be focused on the task at hand as he looks to challenge for yet another Premier League title with the Reds currently on top of the standings. He will be in action when Arne Slot's side take on Crystal Palace on Saturday, Ocotber 5.