Liverpool fans have theory over Trent Alexander-Arnold's true motive after Real Madrid have approach rejected

Liverpool fans have a theory about Trent Alexander-Arnold's true motive after it emerged Real Madrid had made an approach for the England international.

Real's interest in the right-back has been well-documented and recent reports in Spain claimed that the Alexander-Arnold is poised to join the 15-time European champions on a free transfer in the summer.

He appeared to address the reports by mimicking a talking gesture after scoring against West Ham and the story was dismissed by Liverpool media outlets.

However, on Tuesday, it was reported by The Times’ Paul Joyce that Real had "made contact” over a January transfer after seeing captain and right-back Dani Carvajal suffer an ACL injury.

But their approach was "immediately rebuffed” by Liverpool on Tuesday - a day before the transfer window opens.

The report notes that discussions between the two clubs did not progress past a preliminary stage, with "little encouragement" provided by Liverpool.

Alexander-Arnold is free to speak to foreign clubs over a pre-contract as of 1 January and plenty of fans share the same view following on from the latest update.

Writing on X, one fan said: "'The club had the chance to get a fee for me in January but they wouldn’t even listen to an offer'. Cards are lining up folks."

Another commented: "He’s obviously given encouragement."

A third added: "So he's agreed the contract with Madrid and they want to fast forward the signing."

A fourth person followed up, writing: "Clearly gave them the green light if an offer has came in."

A final user added: "They wouldn't have bid without encouragement from Trent's camp. This is bad news."

Trent Alexander-Arnold's celebration against West Ham was a huge talking point. Image: Getty

The aforementioned report did detail that Liverpool and Alexander-Arnold’s representatives have been in negotiations regarding a new deal for a number of months now.

The constant speculation hasn't affected Alexander-Arnold or fellow out-of-contract stars Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk on the pitch, with manager Arne Slot delighted with their displays.

"I'm really happy with Trent, just as happy as I am with Mo and Virgil [van Dijk], so for me there's no difference," Slot said after the West Ham trouncing.

"Maybe in the outside world but I'm happy with all three.

"People will be talking more about it, not only about these three, but also about other players. It's always a month [January] where players can make a transfer.

"So it won't just be about those three, but it will also be about the players we could bring in or ones who could also leave. That's always the thing with the summer and January."