Daniel Sturridge gets told to ‘stop’ by Jamie Carragher during heated on-air debate over Trent Alexander-Arnold

Daniel Sturridge and Jamie Carragher were involved in a heated debate on Trent Alexander-Arnold after his performance in Liverpool's 2-2 draw against Manchester United.

Alexander-Arnold started the Premier League clash days after Liverpool reportedly rejected a bid worth around £20 million from Real Madrid for the 26-year-old.

The right-back's contract at Liverpool expires in the summer, and the Reds face the prospect of losing the academy graduate on a free transfer in the summer if they cannot agree fresh terms.

Against United, Alexander-Arnold gave the ball away before the visitors' first goal at Anfield, and was criticised by Roy Keane for his defending.

He was substituted by Arne Slot with five minutes left in the game and replaced by Conor Bradley, despite Liverpool having been chasing a late winner at the time.

And his future - amid the Real interest - was a significant talking point in the Sky Sports studio between Carragher, Sturridge, Keane and Gary Neville after the match.

At one point in the debate, Sturridge interjected: "Jamie, before Madrid, you had a problem with the situation as well.

"[You were saying] 'How things are going, we're hearing rumours, the contracts, this and that'."

Carragher bluntly hit back: "Daniel, tell me what the problem is. That was just a load of waffle."

Sturridge said: "This is a simple question I have for you. Are you saying you are happy with Trent leaving for free, or are you saying you want money for him? Which one is it?

"You can't stay on the fence, Jamie, and say you either want him to stay and sign a contract or you want him to leave now and you want money. But we can't have it both ways. That's football. I'm a fan of Liverpool too - I love Trent Alexander-Arnold."

"When did I say I wanted him to be sold now for money?" Carragher interjected. "When did I say I was unhappy..."

Sturridge then began his response, before Carragher said: "No, stop. When did I say I was unhappy with him going to Madrid? I have never, ever said I have a problem with him going for free.

"I've constantly said, and defended him to other Liverpool fans and on this show, that the lad came for nothing, and if he leaves for nothing, there should be no criticism for that."

He continued: "In terms of selling him right now, I'm disappointed because I know how transfers work. He will know that Real Madrid have bid for him.

"Real Madrid can do what they want. My problem is, Liverpool are going for the league title here. It's January, and that will have kicked up a fuss ahead of a big game."

But Sturridge argued: "It's the same thing for Salah, though. You can't say one thing for Trent, a local lad, he should be revered by the fans like yourself, like Steven Gerrard. Trent is someone who's been at the club from the academy, he's come through at the club to 27 years of age.

"The fact of the matter is, if Real Madrid decide they want to test the waters... they might have had a flirt-up. We know football. That's not a problem."

Carragher added: "My problem with Trent, in terms of if he leaves, it's not anger or I'm not happy with him. It's probably disappointment.

"The disappointment for me, as a local player, is that Trent is a local boy, he is a Liverpool fan. Liverpool are on the verge of equalling United in league titles. He could be the captain in two or three years, and he could lift these trophies. Liverpool fans will be disappointed and that's where my disappointment comes from.

"He might think differently. If I was in his position, that would be my mentality - 'I can put Liverpool in a position where they can beat United in league titles. I can lift those trophies'. Of course I want him to stay."

Presenter David Jones then asked Sturridge if he was 'fine' with Alexander-Arnold deciding to reject a contract and move elsewhere: "I think he has been an incredible player for Liverpool, and whatever Trent wants to do with his career, it's his decision.

"I think Liverpool have had ample opportunity to sign the player, and I'm a fan of Liverpool, I love Liverpool. I would love Trent to stay and to be like a Stevie G, or yourself [Carra] than leaving."