Trent Alexander-Arnold has worn the No.66 shirt throughout his career at Liverpool but he will not be able to wear that number if he joins Real Madrid this summer

Normally, this potential transfer would be a simple case of allowing Trent Alexander-Arnold's Liverpool contract to run out on 30 June and then Real Madrid would conclude the deal. But this is no ordinary summer.

Real Madrid are "very optimistic" about signing Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer this summer, a source told ESPN, although an agreement with the England international has not been finalised.