Real Madrid are "very optimistic" about signing Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer this summer, a source told ESPN, although an agreement with the England international has not been finalised.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is believed to be closing in on a move to Real Madrid, but it is their big rivals who he once revealed he had a soft spot for. The right-back is out of contract at Liverpool at the end of the season and appears increasingly likely to leave on a free transfer, with Real Madrid hoping to wrap up a deal.

Real Madrid are in talks to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold when his contract expires in June; Liverpool defender is eager to make the move so how big a loss would he be, what would his exit mean for Mohamed Salah and how would his boyhood club replace him?