Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold has emerged as a surprise transfer target for Real Madrid.

The England international is believed to be at the top of Madrid's list of right-back candidates as the Spanish club considers reinforcing the position, according to The Athletic's Mario Cortegana.

A move to the Spanish capital is expected to be contingent on Alexander-Arnold playing out the remainder of his Liverpool contract. Madrid prefer to sign him on a free transfer after his deal expires in the summer of 2025, Cortegana adds.

Talks over a new deal at Anfield are understood to be ongoing.

Alexander-Arnold will be allowed to negotiate a free transfer with different clubs once he enters the final six months of his deal in January.

Madrid's plans to sign a new right-back were expedited after Dani Carvajal suffered a season-ending ACL tear earlier this month.

Tottenham's Pedro Porro, Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong, and Juanlu of Sevilla have also been linked with the reigning European champions.

Madrid are also expected to be in the market for a center-back. The club could increase its efforts to add defensive reinforcements in January, with former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte, who plays in Saudi Arabia, headlining the list of possible targets.