Trent Alexander-Arnold 'in talks over new Liverpool contract'

Liverpool have reportedly opened talks with vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold over a new contract.

The Merseyside native has risen through the ranks at Anfield since joining the club's youth academy in 2004 and is now regarded as one of Europe's finest players in his position.

While Alexander-Arnold's defensive play is often called into question, the 24-year-old's exceptional attacking qualities have seen him register 16 goals and 73 assists in 277 matches for the Reds.

Since making his first-team breakthrough in the 2016-17 campaign, Alexander-Arnold has played a major part in Liverpool's haul of success under Jurgen Klopp, winning a total of seven trophies including the Champions League and Premier League.

Following the exits of Jordan Henderson and James Milner this summer, Alexander-Arnold was promoted to vice-captain behind Virgil van Dijk, having previously worn the armband in a 2020 Champions League clash with FC Midtjylland.

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The England international most recently extended his Liverpool contract in 2021, and those terms are due to expire in under two years time, but an exit from Anfield has never been a possibility.

In order to guarantee his long-term future, talkSPORT claims that Liverpool have now begun negotiations to extend Alexander-Arnold's contract for an unspecified length of time.

Alexander-Arnold could also be in line for a pay rise owing to his increased seniority within Klopp's ranks, and there are not expected to be many roadblocks en route to an agreement.

In addition to his success with the team, Alexander-Arnold was named Liverpool's Young Player of the Season in 2017 and 2018, before being named the PFA and Premier League's Young Player of the Season in the Reds' triumphant 2019-20 season.

The 24-year-old was included in the FIFA FIFPRO World XI that same year, while he has made the PFA Team of the Year on three occasions, most recently in the 2021-22 campaign.

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Alexander-Arnold often struggled for form last season, but the right-back excelled in a hybrid midfield role and came up with one goal and seven assists in Liverpool's final 10 Premier League games.

The Reds vice-captain has already set up one goal in four top-flight appearances this season, but he sustained a hamstring injury in a 3-0 win over Aston Villa before the international break.

Alexander-Arnold was not at Klopp's disposal for their 3-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday either, although he is expected to begin working with the ball again at some point this week.

However, it is still unclear whether the defender will be fit for Thursday's Europa League opener with LASK Linz, which comes three days before Liverpool host West Ham United in the Premier League.

Since the start of last season, Liverpool have agreed new deals with three up-and-coming youngsters in Harvey Elliott, Stefan Bajcetic and Curtis Jones, as well as extending Adrian's contract for another year.