'Alexander-Arnold could stay at Liverpool - and this is when they will find out'

Liverpool do not expect to hear a firm decision about Trent Alexander-Arnold's future until after the end of the season.

That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that their performances domestically and in Europe will prove pivotal.

Real Madrid remain very interested in tempting the 26-year-old away from Anfield and have been working on the deal since earlier this season.

This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Alexander-Arnold has yet to make a decision about his future, but is leaning towards a move to Madrid.

He has been available to sign a pre-contract agreement to move abroad since the beginning of January, but is now expected to take his time over a decision.

Arne Slot's side are currently leading the Premier League by six points with a game in hand, and topped the Champions League league stage to progress into the round of 16.

Trent Alexander-Arnold exit timeline revealed at Liverpool

If Liverpool can secure the Premier League title and compete in the latter stages of the Champions League, it could be enough to convince the right-back to remain on Merseyside.

Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, explained that the defender could leave it until the end of the season to make his decision.

"His decision might not come until the end of the season," he told Football Insider.

"It depends on how competitive Liverpool are from now on.

"If they can win the Premier League and challenge for the Champions League, it could convince him.

"But I think he'll make them wait before he makes the decision because he won't want to commit himself and then maybe have second thoughts between now and the end of the season.

"Things in football change very quickly.

"I expect he'll take his time, weigh everything up, and then make his mind up.

"For now, he's focused on playing for Liverpool and helping them be the best they can be, and that means winning the league and the Champions League."

Salah and Van Dijk contract talks take new twist

With speculation about the futures of Alexander-Arnold, Salah and Van Dijk ongoing, there is a growing feeling that the longer they go without an offer, the more likely they will be to leave.

Football Insider revealed on 9 February that Liverpool are not close to agreeing terms with any of the three superstars to extend their contracts as things stand.

While there was no chance any of the three would have left in January, they have been available to discuss terms over a pre-contract move abroad since last month.

The situation remains uncertain, but well-placed sources maintain Liverpool are confident of tying Salah, Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold down to new deals.

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