Trent Alexander-Arnold: 'People don't realise' new Liverpool contract talks plan
Trent Alexander-Arnold will delay a decision about his future at Liverpool until closer to the end of the season amid intense speculation.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn Rovers chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the defender is still weighing up his decision and will assess all of his options.
This comes after reports claimed Liverpool are prepared to made the 26-year-old the highest-paid English player in the Premier League.
With less than a year remaining on his contract at Anfield, he will be allowed to discuss terms over a pre-contract deal from January ahead of a permanent move in the summer.
However, the Reds remain confident they can keep their vice-captain at the club beyond the end of the season and are set to hold a new round of talks over a contract extension.
Despite the growing speculation, Brown has insisted Alexander-Arnold will continue to delay his decision to see how far both clubs are prepared to go to tempt him.
As a result, a final decision over his future is not expected to be made until closer to the end of the season, although both clubs are pushing to reach an agreement.
Trent Alexander-Arnold exit talks stall after new Liverpool twist
Brown previously told Football Insider that Liverpool could cash in on the right-back in a bid to raise funds in January if they feel he is leaning towards a move to Madrid.
Now, the former scout who spent over a decade at Man United during their most successful period and has a wealth of experience working with players at the top level, insisted that Alexander-Arnold's agent is instrumental to the ongoing delays.
"A lot of it depends on how much he wants to go and play for Real Madrid," he told Football Insider.
"If he wants to go and play for them, Liverpool will have no say.
"His contract is up, he can do whatever he wants to do.
"One thing I don't think people have quite realised yet, is that he'll play it out right up to the last moment before he commits to anything.
"It ultimately comes down to whether he'll be tempted to move away from Liverpool.
"He'll be offered a huge contract either way, so I don't think money will be a determining factor.
"Real Madrid are looking for that type of player, they want to make big-name signings and he certainly fits that bill, but they have to convince him it's the right move.
"Liverpool also have some convincing to do if they want him to stay put.
"But his agent will be in his ear too, telling him to hold out and see how far both clubs are willing to go to persuade him that they're the best option."
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