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Reports in Spain are starting to ramp up Real Madrid's transfer interest in Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold

Jude Bellingham of England prepares to surprise team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold on his birthday at St George's Park on October 7 2024(Image: Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

And so it begins. Trent Alexander-Arnold has been away from the Liverpool bosom for less than 48 hours and already the Real Madrid rumourmongers have been activated.

The sight of Jude Bellingham hiding inside a mammoth card to celebrate Alexander-Arnold's 26th birthday on his arrival to the latest England squad gathering on Monday was all the excuse needed for media outlets in Spain to start reporting about Real Madrid ramping up their interest in the Reds player.

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Marca have claimed that even before Dani Carvajal's recent potentially season-ending injury - the 32-year-old damaged knee ligaments in Real's 2-0 win over Villarreal on Saturday - the European Super League advocates were already considering their options to strengthen at right-back.

Of course, all of this is absolutely nothing new. Liverpool and their supporters have known for more than a year that Real have been keeping tabs on Alexander-Arnold's situation when it became increasingly aware the player was among those at Anfield nearing the final 12 months of their present contract.

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And the tittle-tattle from Spain has been gradually escalating over recent months, particularly with no resolution in sight over a new deal for Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool despite negotiations remaining ongoing.

But what it does underline is that, with the clock ticking towards the January 1 date when the player would be able to sign a pre-contract agreement elsewhere before walking away from Liverpool for nothing at the end of the season, the pressure from Real Madrid is being slowly and steadily increased.

The latest report indicates Real haven't made any sort of move yet, dismissing at a stroke claims the Spaniards have already sounded out Alexander-Arnold's representatives over the player's situation. Who to believe?

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It was however notable mention was made of Alexander-Arnold's relationship with Bellingham - who the Liverpool man regards as his closest friend in the national team set-up - as a way to woo the player towards the Bernabeu.

And there is a suggestion Alexander-Arnold could be used by Real boss Carlo Ancelotti both as an attacking right-back and as a midfielder, a switch the player has previously encouraged and been given experience over the past 18 months. Under new management at Liverpool and England this season, he is now operating solely from the defensive line.

For certain, though, is Real will only sign the Liverpool man on a free transfer and will end their interest should the defender extend his commitment to the boyhood club he first joined at the age of six. As Alexander-Arnold has previously confirmed, he is committed to the Reds for this season as a minimum. There is no chance of him jumping ship for a fee in January.

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But for all the talk of a potentially increased salary, the chance to play alongside the likes of Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe and the possibility of moving into the engine room, the real battle for Real will be winning over the heart and mind of Alexander-Arnold. The Scouser in the team is already vice-captain and remains determined to become skipper one day. He won't be able to do that as a Real Madrid player.

Also, with the early signs indicating Liverpool can continue to challenge for honours under Arne Slot and the shift in style of play very much to Alexander-Arnold's liking, there is every chance of further collective and individual success at Anfield.

The vacuum of the international break, the fact few would be surprised if Bellingham has been tasked with bending the ear of Alexander-Arnold and probable starts for the defender in the forthcoming UEFA Nations League games against Greece and Finland means there will be little time for Reds fans to rest easy. The Liverpool man is going to keep dominating the headlines.

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Buckle up, folks. It's going to be a bumpy ride.