"Everyone saying.." - Alexander-Arnold responds to excitement over Bellingham transfer as Liverpool told price

Trent Alexander-Arnold has played down suggestions he is working behind the scenes at the World Cup to convince England teammate Jude Bellingham to join Liverpool.

Bellingham, 19, has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League, with Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City among a group of clubs interested in the midfielder.

Real Madrid are also reportedly keen to sign Bellingham, who has already scored 19 goals in 112 games for Borussia Dortmund since joining the German club from Birmingham City in 2020.

Bellingham's stock has risen even further at the World Cup in Qatar, with the midfielder scoring England's first goal of the tournament in their 6-2 win over Iran.

According to a recent CIES Football Observatory study, Bellingham is the most valuable player at the World Cup with a transfer valuation of £176.8m - ahead of the likes of Vinicius Jr (£176m) and Kylian Mbappe (£162m).

Alexander-Arnold plays down 'Agent Trent' suggestions

Liverpool and Real Madrid are thought to be the favourites to sign Bellingham and Reds fans believe Alexander-Arnold is trying his best to convince to midfielder to move to Anfield.

The defender, who has been dubbed 'Agent Trent' by Liverpool supporters, posted a picture of himself and Bellingham to social media on Thursday.

"Stroll in the city with bro," wrote Alexander-Arnold, with Bellingham responding: "My brother."

Liverpool fans are understandably excited by Alexander-Arnold's friendship with Bellingham, believing it gives the club a major advantage in the race to sign the midfielder.

Quizzed about the reaction on social media to his post, Alexander-Arnold was asked on BBC Radio 5 Live: "Your little stroll has got quite a lot of traction, hasn't it?"

The questions prompted Alexander-Arnold to laugh before replying: "I'm just going out with a mate aren't I?"

"Everyone saying 'Agent Trent' but no... we went out a few of us yesterday, we were given the day off so had a decent day out."

Liverpool 'doing everything' to sign Bellingham

Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg claims the Reds are "doing everything" to try and sign Bellingham, whose current Dortmund deal runs to 2025.

He tweeted: “As reported: Liverpool is doing everything and Klopp is pushing a lot!

"Internal saying: Bellingham first! [Moises] Caicedo is an alternative. Liverpool is highly rated from the player. But nothing decided yet. LFC won’t pay every price. Dortmund expects between €100-150m!"

Both Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold's immediate focus will be on England's World Cup campaign in Qatar.

The Three Lions booked their place in the last 16 of the competition with a convincing 3-0 win over Wales on Tuesday.

Gareth Southgate's side will now face Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal on Sunday, with the winner facing either France or Poland in the quarter-finals.