Liverpool take first steps to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold as 'talks opened' for stunning signing

Liverpool have held initial talks over the replacement signing for Trent Alexander-Arnold, according to stunning reports.

Alexander-Arnold's proposed move to Real Madrid is edging closer ahead of a blockbuster free transfer.

Despite the 26-year-old being out of contract in the summer, Liverpool are set to receive millions from Real.

A deal is still to be fully agreed but work towards completing the transfer is reaching the closing stages.

He's in the final months of his existing contract as a move away from Anfield appears to be on the cards.

Naturally, Liverpool will be active in the market when the transfer reopens this summer as they look to secure a replacement ahead of next season.

And, according to a report, the Reds have already made their move to replace Alexander-Arnold.

Per the PA news agency via the Independent, Liverpool have held initial talks over the signing of Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong.

Talks are at an 'early stage' as the Premier League side hope to fend off competition from a series of teams to land Frimpong, who is regarded as one of Europe's hottest properties.

Alexander-Arnold's move to Real could be the key 'domino factor' in accelerating Liverpool's interest in the 24-year-old.

Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea are also understood to have expressed an interest in Frimpong.

The highly-rated player has already been on Man City's books, having progressed through their youth ranks. But he never featured for the club at first-team level.

Jeremie Frimpong in action for the Netherlands. Image: Getty

Frimpong joined Celtic before making his name at Leverkusen, where he has starred at right-back.

He's regarded as one of the best wing-backs in the world following his stellar performances in Germany.

Frimpong scored an impressive 14 goals in Leverkusen's league and cup-winning season.

This season, he has made 40 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals.

He's also a Dutch international and has 12 international caps to his name. He was a part of the Netherlands squad which reached the semi-finals of Euro 2024.