(Football news) Real Madrid have been heavily linked with a move for Trent Alexander-Arnold, having identified the Liverpool full-back as one of their top targets for 2025.

Real Madrid have already failed with an approach to signing the England international in the current transfer window.

The European champions must decide whether to return with a second offer or try to sign Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Alexander-Arnold is one of three Liverpool stars out of contract in the summer, along with Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.

Real Madrid turn down Van Dijk opportunity

According to multiple reports, Real Madrid have been offered the chance to sign Alexander-Arnold’s teammate, Van Dijk, at the end of the current season.

Van Dijk’s representatives supposedly made contact with Real Madrid to inform them of the defender’s interest in joining the Spanish giants.

However, Real Madrid turned down the opportunity to recruit the 33-year-old, with his age said to be a factor behind their decision.

Real Madrid are believed to be considering a number of other defensive targets, including Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol, Tottenham Hotspur’s Micky van de Ven, and RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba.

However, Real Madrid believe that a deal for any of the trio will prove difficult at this time due to their respective valuations.

What has Van Dijk said about his Liverpool future?

The report claims that Van Dijk is closing in on renewing his stay at Anfield beyond the end of his current deal in June.

However, the Liverpool skipper revealed that he expects their to be no imminent updates when he was asked about his contract situation following Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United.

Van Dijk insisted he was currently focused on matters on the pitch, including Wednesday’s EFL Cup semifinal first leg against Tottenham Hotspur.

Also read: Manchester United offered to swap a wantaway player by Juventus