Real Madrid to wait for Trent Alexander-Arnold contract expiry, Thomas Tuchel eyes Chelsea coaches - Paper Round

Real Madrid will reportedly wait to sign Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer, while Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk could also leave the club when their contracts expire in the summer. Fenerbahce have released Ryan Kent, sparking fresh interest in the player, and Thomas Tuchel wants Hilario with him when he starts as the new England manager.

Madrid plot Alexander-Arnold swoop

The Athletic believes that Real Madrid want Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, but only on a free transfer.

The England international’s contract ends at the current season’s conclusion, and Los Blancos are eyeing a bargain.

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The website reports: “Real Madrid have identified Trent Alexander-Arnold as their leading candidate to strengthen at right-back.

“But the 26-year-old is only seen as a feasible option if he can arrive on a free transfer next summer.

“Talks over a renewal with Liverpool are ongoing, but Alexander-Arnold’s current contract expires at the end of June and from the start of January he will be free to negotiate with clubs overseas.

“If that process sounds familiar, it’s because Madrid have made several such signings in recent years - after targeting players whose contracts were running down.

“Of their current squad, David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger and Kylian Mbappe arrived as free agents (albeit the latter deal involved a Galactico-level signing-on fee), and Thibaut Courtois, Eduardo Camavinga and Brahim Diaz were all signed when they had less than a year to run on their deals.”

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Slot sees no progress over trio

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk are no closer to signing fresh terms, according to Liverpool manager Arne Slot.

Alexander-Arnold is attracting interest from Real Madrid, Salah is wanted by Saudi Arabian sides, and Van Dijk remains one of the best defenders in European football.

The Mirror notes: “Arne Slot insists there is nothing new to report when it comes to Liverpool's three out of contract stars following the international break.

“Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and club captain Virgil van Dijk are all out of contract next summer and free to talk with clubs from overseas in January over a potential Bosman transfer ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

“Slot, who took charge at Anfield in the summer, has been peppered with questions on the uber-talented Reds trifecta regularly in the early weeks of the new season. He has maintained, though, that there has been little in the way of updates worth sharing with supporters.

“And the former Feyenoord chief sent a similar message on Friday when he was asked for an update on Alexander-Arnold, Salah and Van Dijk ahead of Liverpool's return to Premier League action this weekend against Chelsea.

“He replied: ‘Same question, same answer, there will always be talks and it is normal that you asked.’”

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Rangers could return for Kent

Ryan Kent’s departure from Fenerbahce could see the player return to Glasgow.

Kent could also be a target for Lazio, who had lined up a move for him in the previous transfer window.

The Sun explains: “Rangers are one of a number of top European sides on transfer alert tonight after former Ibrox hero Ryan Kent agreed a mutual termination of his contract with Turkish giants Fenerbahce.

“It's a remarkable turn of events, just 16 months into the money-spinning four year deal which the Gers star agreed with the club in July 2023.

“It looked certain Kent, who came through Liverpool's academy, would leave Fenerbahce in January with several clubs credited with an interest.

“A shock deadline day move to Lazio looked set to happen before it collapsed in the final moments.”

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Tuchel plots Chelsea raid

Incoming England manager Thomas Tuchel is planning to bring in Chelsea goalkeeping coach Hilario to his new setup.

Tuchel worked with the Portuguese during his time at Stamford Bridge and now wants to be reunited.

The Evening Standard writes: “Thomas Tuchel is set to make former Chelsea goalkeeper Hilario part of his new England coaching staff. 

“Hilario is currently a goalkeeping coach under Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge, having initially returned to the club to work on Antonio Conte’s staff in 2016. 

“The Portuguese, who spent eight years at Chelsea as a player, worked with Tuchel during the Blues’ Champions League triumph in 2021 and the pair are expected to reunite at England. 

“Tuchel’s appointment on an 18-month contract was confirmed earlier this week, with the German set to start work in January with the aim of delivering success at the 2026 World Cup.”

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