Liverpool have been told that they have "no chance" of keeping Trent Alexander-Arnold as Real Madrid are considered frontrunners for his services.

Alexander-Arnold, who played a key role in Liverpool's narrow 1-0 win over RB Leipzig in the Champions League earlier this week, is rumoured to be at the top of Real Madrid's shopping list for a new right-back. He will enter the final six months of his deal in January and will be free to negotiate with foreign clubs, leaving Liverpool vulnerable to losing one of their most valuable assets.

Real are in the market for a long-term replacement for Dani Carvajal, whose recent knee injury is expected to keep him out until October 2025. Despite the swirling rumours surrounding Alexander-Arnold’s future, Liverpool manager Arne Slot remains hopeful that the homegrown star will commit to a new deal. However, not everyone shares Slot’s optimism as Sky Sports pundit Tim Sherwood expressed doubt over the club’s chances of retaining the full-back.

"I think with Trent, I think he's gone," Sherwood said. "Once Real Madrid come knocking for you... He's won everything at the football club and been a magnificent servant but there's no chance they're keeping him now I wouldn't have thought."

Alexander-Arnold is not the only player at Liverpool nearing the end of his contract as Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, two other key members of the squad, are also approaching the final stages of their current deals, raising further concerns for the club.

When asked if Slot could help convince the trio to stay at Anfield, Sherwood argued that the impact of Liverpool’s strong start to the season can be crucial.

"That helps," he said. "We’re talking about three world-class players who want to win trophies. They’re not interested in just fighting for Champions League spots - they want to be lifting silverware, and a strong start to the season can only help Liverpool’s case. With Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, I think it's completely different because I'm not sure where they are going to go which is better than Liverpool."

Liverpool are leading the Premier League standings but face a stern test against title contenders Arsenal at the Emirates. Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk and Salah will feature over the weekend and the trio must put their best foot forward to help the Merseyside club retain top spot.