'I think you underestimate our players' - Bullish Arne Slot addresses Trent Alexander-Arnold's focus amid Real Madrid transfer interest in Liverpool star

The 26-year-old's Liverpool contract is set to expire next summer and with the right-back yet to sign a new deal, Real Madrid have registered their interest in the England international. Despite that, Reds manager Slot says those who think these transfer rumours may get to the defender are "underestimating" Alexander-Arnold's professionalism.

When asked if the transfer rumours could have an unsettling impact on his vice-captain, Slot said: "I think you underestimate our players. These players are used to being linked with all the top clubs on a daily basis, if they have contracts or not. If you think they’re disturbed by this interest, then I think you don’t do justice to how strong they are mentally and what they are used to. This is part of our job. I was at Feyenoord last year and they linked me with many clubs and before that and before that. This is part of this world we are living in. You just focus on what you have to do. Maybe if you’re 17 or 18 years of age, that could be difficult for you. But Trent has won the league, has won the Champions League, Virgil and Mo the same. I don’t think that is a problem for them to perform. That’s also what we see at the moment because they’re playing really well, put it that way."

Reds academy product Alexander-Arnold has been a huge success for the club over the years but the fact he is yet to sign a new contract will have many fans worried. He, centre-back Virgil van Dijk and winger Mohamed Salah are also into the last year of their deals and if Liverpool don't retain any of them, that will be a huge blow for Slot's side.

Liverpool, who sit top of the Premier League after seven matches, host fourth-placed Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, before returning to Champions League action on Wednesday night away to RB Leipzig.