Liverpool 'send scouts' to watch shock Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement from huge Premier League rival

Liverpool have reportedly sent scouts to watch their ideal replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold - and he plays for a Premier League rival.

Alexander-Arnold's contract at Anfield expires in the summer and he has yet to agree to fresh terms.

Liverpool's main priority is to convince the 25-year-old to stay at the club - and David Ornstein reports that the Reds have offered the England right-back a new contract.

But he is believed to be attracting significant interest from Real Madrid, whose first-choice right-back Dani Carvajal will be out for the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Carvajal will be 33 when he returns and there may be question marks over whether he can get back to his best form - making Real's pursuit of Alexander-Arnold all the more likely.

Now, claim that Liverpool have already identified a surprise replacement and have sent scouts to watch the Premier League player.

The player in question is Chelsea star Malo Gusto, who moved to Stamford Bridge from Lyon last summer.

Gusto has established himself as the Blues' first-choice right-back amid Reece James' continued injury issues, and he has showed his versatility by operating at left-back as well.

Former Manchester United scout Mick Brown told Football Insider: "Liverpool have got Conor Bradley, who has done exceptionally well when called upon and he's going to be an important part of their plans.

"But Gusto is very highly rated, and he's one their scouts have been keeping an eye on this season.

Chelsea defender Malo Gusto pictured (Image: Getty)

"He's not a nailed-on starter at Chelsea either, because when Reece James comes back from injury, chances are he'll be straight back into the side.

"So that gives Liverpool the chance to offer him first team football. They'll believe that could be enough to tempt him into moving."

The France international registered six assists last season and, at 21 years of age, would represent a significant long-term investment for Liverpool.

The issue, however, is that he represented a significant long-term investment for Chelsea when they spent £30.7 million to sign him. He signed a seven-year contract to keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2030, meaning Liverpool would need to splash out considerably higher than that £30.7 million to bring him to the North West.