Liverpool could still receive a transfer fee for Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer as he closes in on a move to Real Madrid.

Recent reports have revealed that the Liverpool right-back is eager to team up with the reigning European and Spanish champions when his contract expires at the end of June and a deal now looks inevitable.

Madrid have monitored the 26-year-old for some time and appear destined to finally land the defender, who will earn a sizeable salary in the Spanish capital.

Los Blancos were expected to acquire Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer at the beginning of July but Liverpool could yet pocket a fee for one of their prized assets, according to the Mail.

Madrid are said to be “extremely keen” to sign Alexander-Arnold before the newly-expanded FIFA Club World Cup this summer, which kicks off on 14 June when the right-back is still under contract at Liverpool.

If Alexander-Arnold is to play in the opening stages of the tournament in the United States, Madrid would be required to pay Liverpool a sum for his services.

The Premier League have now officially announced the opening and closing dates for the summer window, with the market opening between 1-10 June before shutting and then re-opening on 16 June.

The window is open for all clubs during that early period, not just those at the Club World Cup, and allows sides competing at the tournament to recruit before jetting off to North America.

The cost of signing Alexander-Arnold before his contract expires is unclear. It could simply involve paying out the remainder of his salary with Liverpool, or the Reds could hold firm in search of a larger cash injection. Buying out the final month of his deal could cost Madrid between £700,000 to £800,000.

Given clubs competing at the Club World Cup earn £1.5m for each win during the group stage alone, Liverpool will find themselves in a strong bargaining position.