Liverpool legend admits Trent Alexander-Arnold fear after talking to Real Madrid target

Liverpool has been told .

The Reds right-back and will leave on a free transfer at the end of the current campaign if he fails to extend his stay on Merseyside.

But with in 2025, former Anfield hero John Aldridge believes has missed the boat on tying him down to fresh terms.

And that's despite admitting he recently held talks with the graduate over his current situation, who admitted he has been enjoying life under new manager so far this season.

Speaking to , Aldridge said: “Trent Alexander-Arnold will be free to talk to other clubs about a free transfer in a few weeks - and I fear Liverpool may have left it too late to tie him down to a new contract."

The 66-year-old added: “I had a chat with Trent a couple of weeks back and he is really enjoying playing under manager Slot this season. There was some chat that he wasn’t happy about being substituted, but he told me that wasn’t a problem and he loves Slot’s attention to detail in all aspects of his work.

“A lad like Trent might not want to leave Liverpool, but you only have one career and the cash on offer elsewhere may be too much to resist. I hope I’m wrong as we all want to see Alexander-Arnold continuing his fantastic story at Liverpool, but he has a massive decision to make over the next few weeks and it may be that he decides the time has come to move on.”

has started the new campaign in impressive fashion for Liverpool, providing two assists and helping to keep seven clean sheets in all competitions, but that has only helped his stock rise ahead of next summer.

Despite the defender appearing relatively relaxed over his situation, and previously admitting his desire to following in the footsteps of some of his previous captains, the signs aren't looking good.

Former player and manager Tim Sherwood recently claimed Liverpool has next summer, with plenty to tempt the 26-year-old to Spain.

Sherwood did, however, suggest the club's good start to the season will go a long way in keeping and at the club, with the duo also out of contract at the end of the current campaign.