Liverpool manager Arne Slot has insisted that Trent Alexander-Arnold will not be distracted by rumours linking him with Real Madrid.
Alexander-Arnold is facing an uncertain future at Anfield, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season.
Real Madrid are believed to view Alexander-Arnold as a priority transfer target to bolster their backline.
Los Blancos are keen to strengthen the right side of defence, especially as Dani Carvajal has been ruled out until the end of the season with a serious knee injury.
With Real Madrid circling, Liverpool have reportedly resigned themselves to losing Alexander-Arnold in 2025.
Slot addresses Alexander-Arnold transfer speculation
As it stands, Alexander-Arnold would be free to enter discussions with Real Madrid in January over a pre-contract agreement.
Alternatively, Real Madrid could look to negotiate a cut-price January transfer with Liverpool if it becomes clear that Alexander-Arnold will not sign a new deal.
Along with Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have also seen their future become the subject of much speculation.
However, Slot has insisted that Liverpool's senior players will not be distracted by the recent transfer rumours.
"I think you underestimate our players," Slot told reporters ahead of Sunday's clash with Chelsea. "These players are used to being linked with all the top clubs on a daily basis, if they have contracts or not.
"If you think they're disturbed by these interests, then I think you don't do justice to how strong they are mentally and what they are used to. This is part of our job.
"I was at Feyenoord last year and they linked me with many clubs and before that and before that. This is part of this world we are living in.
"You just focus on what you have to do. Maybe if you're 17 or 18 years of age, that could be difficult for you. But Trent has won the Premier League, he has won the Champions League; Virgil and Mo the same. I don't think that is a problem for them to perform. That's also what we see at the moment because they're playing really well – put it that way."
Will transfer rumours affect Alexander-Arnold's performances?
Alexander-Arnold's future may be shrouded in uncertainty, but there is nothing to suggest that the recent transfer speculation will have an adverse effect on his performance.
The 26-year-old remains a key player in the Liverpool squad, having started all nine of Liverpool's matches across the Premier League and Champions League.
Alexander-Arnold has played his part in a Liverpool backline which has conceded just two goals in seven Premier League games this season.
As a result of their strong defence, Slot's side are currently sitting top of the Premier League table with 18 points to their name.
