REAL TRUTH IS THAT TRENT WON'T LEAVE

LIVERPOOL had two reasons to rebuff Real Madrid's approach for Trent Alexander-Arnold - and they will remain the same even if the Spanish giants DO come back with a slightly increased £20.7million bid later this month.

The first is that they are still hopeful the right-back (above) will sign a new contract at Anfield, so why would they entertain an offer as dialogue is still open with him? But the second - and most important - reason is that they need him for the rest of the season.

Conor Bradley may be a readymade replacement if AlexanderArnold does opt for Spain in the summer. But this Liverpool team under Arne Slot is currently flying with the England star at right-back, so there's no chance the Reds were going to rock the boat.