Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has addressed suggestions that his club could make a second offer for Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold before the end of the January transfer window.
Los Blancos are believed to have had an offer for Alexander-Arnold rejected this month, with the Reds making it clear that the right-back will not be allowed to leave Anfield under any circumstances during the winter market.
However, Liverpool are in a very difficult position when it comes to the England international's future, as his contract is due to expire this summer, and Real Madrid are the overwhelming favourites to sign him.
Alexander-Arnold, according to reports in Spain, is leaning towards a switch to Real Madrid, where he would command a substantial signing-on fee and a huge salary over the next few years.
However, Liverpool continue to work to sign him to a fresh agreement, with the 26-year-old viewed as absolutely vital for a team that is currently clear at the top of the Premier League table.
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Ancelotti addresses "complicated" January amid Alexander-Arnold reports
Ancelotti was questioned on the situation during his press conference to preview Friday's La Liga clash against Valencia.
The Italian said "we'll see" when asked about January incomings, but he refused to give too much away due to the delicate nature of the situation.
"January signings? It's a bit more complicated to talk about this. We'll see, we'll see. Talking about this is not easy at the moment," Ancelotti told reporters during his press conference on Thursday.
"I said that we will not sign anyone in January before. Look, I can't talk about it now. This is not the time and place. We will see what will happen but I have a great squad. We have got injuries and problems with that but we are also able to overcome them."
Real Madrid are without their first-choice right-back Dani Carvajal for the remainder of the season due to a serious knee injury, and Lucas Vazquez has found it difficult to show his best form in that position of late.
Los Blancos are believed to be prepared to pay a fee to sign Alexander-Arnold this month rather than wait until the summer to bring him in on a free transfer, but Liverpool are seemingly fully against a mid-season sale.
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How much of a blow would it be to Liverpool to lose Alexander-Arnold?
For so many reasons, Alexander-Arnold's departure on a free transfer would be devastating for Liverpool.
Not only would one of their most talented players be moving on, they would not receive a transfer fee for a player who would more than likely cost in the region of £80m if he was signed to a long-term contract.
There remain question marks over his defensive qualities, but there are few better passes in world football let alone the Premier League, and it is not difficult to understand why Real Madrid are so keen to sign him.
Liverpool will do everything in their power to keep hold of the defender, but Real Madrid are a very difficult club to turn down, and as it stands, a switch to Los Blancos to join close friend Jude Bellingham looks like the outcome to the long-running saga.
Matt Law
