Alexander-Arnold expected to stay at Real Madrid in January

Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to remain at Real Madrid through the January transfer window, according to football expert Guillem Balague, while Liverpool is reportedly not treating the defender as a concrete transfer target. Balague said Alexander-Arnold has no intention of leaving in January and is preparing for a future opportunity at the Spanish club. The account of the player’s plans comes from Balague’s comments, rather than a direct statement from Alexander-Arnold. Liverpool’s reported position is attributed to Football Insider, not to a direct club announcement. The reports come as Alexander-Arnold has struggled to secure regular playing time under Real Madrid manager José Mourinho. Federico Valverde and summer signing Denzel Dumfries have been used ahead of him at right-back, and Balague said Éder Militão had also filled the position in a previous match. Balague described Alexander-Arnold as appearing to be third choice, while noting that he had been encouraged to keep working for his chance. Alexander-Arnold made a late substitute appearance in Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Barcelona, entering in the fourth minute of injury time, according to match reports. One...