Liverpool have rejected an approach from Real Madrid to sign full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold in the January transfer window, sources told ESPN.

The England international is out of contract at Anfield in June, and sources have told ESPN that he is Madrid's top defensive target following a long-term injury to right-back Dani Carvajal.

It was thought the Spanish giants preferred to wait until next summer to sign Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer, but they approached Liverpool on Tuesday about a potential move next month.

Sources told ESPN those advances were quickly rebuffed by the Premier League leaders and no official bid was made. Conversations over a contract renewal at Liverpool have been taking place with Alexander-Arnold's camp for several months, and the player has not yet indicated a desire to leave the club.

Alexander-Arnold is one of three Liverpool players with an expiring deal at the end of the season, alongside star forward Mohamed Salah and club captain Virgil van Dijk.

All three out-of-contract players will be able to officially speak to non-English clubs about joining them in the summer when the transfer window opens on Wednesday.

Arne Slot's side are eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table and have also won all of their games in the revamped Champions League, as well as reaching the semifinals of the Carabao Cup.