Trent Alexander-Arnold inspired by Ryan Reynolds?! Liverpool right-back eyes £117m investment in Nantes as he bids to become club owner

According to L’Equipe, the England international’s father Michael – who acts as manager of his son’s interest through their London-based investment firm – is showing a keen interest in the Ligue 1 market. Alexander-Arnold is said to have also explored options at St Etienne and Le Havre.

The 25-year-old defender is already a minority shareholder with the French Formula 1 team Alpine, through his association with Otro Capital. Reynolds is also part of that group, and Alexander-Arnold could soon be following the Hollywood superstar – who works alongside Rob McElhenney at Wrexham - into club ownership. He has also seen Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe acquire a majority stake in Ligue 2 side Caen.

It is claimed that Alexander-Arnold and his father have spoken with current Nantes president Waldemar Kita, who has become an increasingly unpopular figure among supporters at Le Beaujoire Stadium. Their latest meeting is said to have taken place in London on Thursday.

Kita is disappointed that news of the talks has leaked into the media, leaving him mulling over his options, but a deal could still happen. It is claimed the terms being discussed would include a straight €80m (£67m/$89m) fee, seller credit of €20m (£17m/$22m) and a further €40m (£34m/$45m) made up of various bonuses.