Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer saga takes shock twist as Liverpool's secret phone call to Real Madrid revealed

Trent Alexander-Arnold's contract negotiations with Liverpool have taken a new turn as the Merseyside club are set to phone La Liga giants Real Madrid to discuss the Englishman.

Liverpool are currently believed to be locked in negotiations to extend the contracts of three of their top players, Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold.

With the current deals for all three men set to expire next summer, Liverpool fans have started to express concern that they could lose one or all of the most important players at the club.

And now a new report has revealed a shock development in Alexander-Arnold's negotiations, as Liverpool are reportedly set to speak with Real Madrid about the defender ahead of the club's Champions League clash on Wednesday.

Reports from Spanish publication Marca claim that Liverpool are set to have a 'lunch' with Real Madrid ahead their match on Wednesday, with Alexander-Arnold's future the talking point.

It comes after the two clubs reportedly also spoke on the phone earlier in the season.

The publication wrote: "So much so that at the start of the season, with the Champions League drawn already made, a call was made from Anfield, and with all the naturalness in the world, to Valdebebas.

"The red phone rang and the question was clear and direct: "Do you really want Alexander Arnold?" The interest was due to the much talk about the defender's future in relation to the white club."

The meeting on Wednesday is reportedly set to take place at 13:30 in Liverpool, with the Champions League match between the two clubs at Anfield offering the chance to discuss Alexander-Arnold face-to-face.

Trent Alexander-Arnold could link up with England teammate Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid. (Image: Getty)

The 26-year-old has remained tight-lipped about the rumours of him joining Madrid to combine with close friend and national teammate Jude Bellingham.

However, in September he offered some insight into the negotiations.

"I want to be a Liverpool player this season [as a minimum] is what I will say," Alexander-Arnold said via The Athletic.

"I have been at the club 20 years now, I have signed four or five contract extensions and none of those have been played out in public and this one won’t be either."