WHEN KLOPP DEPARTS, THERE’S A REAL DANGER TRENT MAY GO TOO

THOSE in and around Real Madrid are not averse to a spot of mischief-making and suggestions emanating from Spain that Trent Alexander-Arnold will be a summer target might be just that.

Mischief-making.

But one thing is indisputably true – Jurgen Klopp’s departure gives the idea of AlexanderArnold (below) leaving Anfield a touch more credence.

Just as it gives credence to the idea that Virgil van Dijk, the Liverpool captain to AlexanderArnold’s vice-captain, might leave. Or Mo Salah might leave.

The fact all three have contracts that expire in the summer of next year makes them fair game for transfer speculation.

But the added fact that the only manager they have known at Anfield is going shortly makes them even fairer game.

And hey, being linked with the Bernabeu does AlexanderArnold’s position in any contract negotiations no harm.

Presumably, those negotiations will get under way fairly soon – or at least when the club has completed the overhaul of what Manchester United might describe as its football operation.

With new sporting director Richard Hughes signed up, talks with Alexander-Arnold, Salah and Van Dijk are imminent. The latter has the air of someone who will want to grow old with a wonderful club, while noises from Saudi Arabia would suggest Salah might not be averse to mind-boggling money. Not many would, to be fair. What about AlexanderArnold? Surely, Liverpool are in Steven Gerrard territory here?

Trent is there for the rest of his career.

But Liverpool should beware – there are plenty of reasons why Alexander-Arnold signing a new deal is not a shoo-in.

Klopp’s exit stage left could well be one of them, although it is hard to imagine AlexanderArnold not wanting to work with Xabi Alonso if and when the Spaniard walks back in. Money could be another. Reports say AlexanderArnold currently earns around £180,000 a week – how much of a rise are Liverpool prepared to give him in these days of profit and sustainability?

Will the emergence of another outstanding right-back, Conor Bradley, be a factor?

Alexander-Arnold, of course, can be used in midfield, but has not proved himself there to such an extent an incoming boss will be completely sure of his effectiveness in that role.

If Salah does leave, Alexander-Arnold might consider Liverpool to have lost a key competitive edge.

And if it is Europe’s most iconic club that comes calling, there is the Real Madrid factor.

We can bang on about the Premier League being the best in the world all we like, but Real

Madrid must be the most attractive club for any elite footballer.

That is why Jude Bellingham is there, that is why Kylian Mbappe is on his way there.

That is why Steve McManaman went there, and Michael Owen.

If Van Dijk and Salah actually decided to run down their current contracts and then go, they would be 34 and 33 and, while still fantastic players, not in their absolute prime.

Alexander-Arnold is not 27 until October of next year.

He is in his absolute prime and, of course, he is already a figurehead for the club, a leader, the next captain, a born Red.

But that does not mean he could not be tempted by the white of Real Madrid... and that is why getting Trent to the table and getting out serious money has to be the new Anfield regime’s No.1 priority.

Real Madrid must be the most attractive club for any elite footballer