Former Liverpool ace Glen Johnson has urged the Reds to ensure 25-year-old defender Trent Alexander-Arnold does not leave Anfield for Real Madrid.
Alexander-Arnold’s contract with the Premier League giants will expire next summer.
He is yet to sign a new deal with Liverpool and will be free to discuss with clubs outside England starting in January.
However, Johnson feels the England right-back is too good to run down his deal and join the LaLiga and UEFA Champions League winners for free.
Real Madrid are said to be monitoring Alexander-Arnold’s situation and could sign him for free next summer.
“Madrid’s Madrid. Liverpool are going to be going through some uncertain times in the short term, so if Real Madrid are at the table, it’s difficult for players to not go. If he goes there, he is likely to win the Champions League again, so I don’t think he could turn that down, and Madrid would be crazy to not try and sign him. He could even sign a pre-contract with them from January onwards, but Liverpool can’t lose him for free,” Johnson said to BetFred.
“He’s way too good for that to happen and it would be ridiculous business for Liverpool to allow him to leave on a free transfer. I’m sure Liverpool are trying to keep him, but as the clock’s ticking and Real Madrid are interested in him, then it’s only going against Liverpool at this moment in time.”