Real Madrid are reported to have drawn a firm line in the sand regarding their transfer pursuit of Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Alexander-Arnold is widely considered to be among the best full-backs in the world but his future at Liverpool has become the subject of major uncertainty due his expiring contract.
That means he could be available on a free transfer at the end of the season if no new agreement to remain at Anfield is reached. As soon as January, Alexander-Arnold will be allowed to formally negotiate and sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club.
Alternatively, Liverpool will also have the option to try and cash in during the transfer window, their last chance to bring in a transfer fee if the right-back is to leave.
That is where Madrid are believed to have made their decision. The Telegraph writes that the Spanish giants are only interested in signing Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer, effectively ruling out an approach for any sort of fee in the next few weeks.
Madrid took a similar approach with their interest in teenage centre-back Leny Yoro during the summer, hoping to land the emerging talent on a free transfer in 2025 and refusing to match Manchester United's sizeable offer to recruit him any sooner. That one backfired.
Long-term target Alphonso Davies could be available as a free agent in the summer thanks to an expiring Bayern Munich contract, while the club didn't pay a transfer fee for Kylian Mbappe either.
Alexander-Arnold is already close friends with Madrid star Jude Bellingham and the player's admission that he wants to make history by becoming the first full-back to win the Ballon d'Or was taken by Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher as an indication that a move is on the cards.
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