Liverpool have rejected an approach from Real Madrid to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold and have maintained their vice-captain is not for sale in January.

Alexander-Arnold’s deal at Anfield expires in the summer and the defender is a target for Real, whose quest to sign the right back became more urgent after Dani Carvajal was ruled out for the season with a cruciate ligament injury.

Real’s approach was rebuffed before an offer could be made or a fee discussed.

But while the Merseysider is able to sign a pre-contract agreement for a summer move to a foreign club from New Year’s Day, Liverpool are not interested in letting him leave before then.

Liverpool are in talks with Alexander-Arnold about a new deal, along with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, whose deals also expire at the end of the season.

Manager Arne Slot has praised all three for their performances amid uncertainty about their futures. While the Egyptian and the Dutchman have said they want to stay at Anfield, Alexander-Arnold has given fewer public indications about his preference – but he has not told Liverpool he intends to leave.

The 26-year-old has helped Liverpool go first in both the Premier League and the Champions League, and scored in their 5-0 win at West Ham on Sunday.