Trent Alexander-Arnold told of Vinicius Jr problem that will halt Real Madrid transfer

Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has been told to think twice about moving to Real Madrid in the hope of winning the Ballon d’Or. The England international is out of contract at Anfield next summer and has been linked with a move to the Spanish capital.

Alexander-Arnold has spent his whole career at Liverpool after progressing through the club’s academy.

He has won every major trophy in club colours but could ditch his hometown team on a free transfer in favour of the glamour of the Bernabeu Stadium.

Alexander-Arnold revealed his desire to win the Ballon d’Or in October as he told Sky Sports: “I believe I can [win it]. I want to be the first full-back to ever do it.”

Michael Owen is the only player to win the individual accolade while playing for the Merseyside giants, while 12 players have lifted the trophy while plying their trade for Real Madrid.

But Liverpool icon Stephen Warnock believes Alexander-Arnold would have just as much chance of winning the Ballon d’Or at Anfield and has pointed to blockbuster star Vinicius Junior, who missed out on landing the award this year to Manchester City midfielder Rodri despite excelling for the La Liga side.

Warnock, in association with BetBrain, exclusively told Express Sport: “We don’t know what Trent Alexander-Arnold is thinking. The Real Madrid one is a big pull so it’s going to be a difficult decision for him.

“He’s spoken about winning the Ballon d’Or hasn’t he. But Vinicius Junior is at that club and he didn’t win it this year. So what we’re seeing is there is a change in the way that people look at things.

“So if Liverpool go on to dominate the next two or three years and he’s playing to the ability we know he can play to and they start winning Champions Leagues, then you struggle to overlook that.

“I think he can win the Ballon d’Or while playing for Liverpool. I don’t see that just the club allows you to win it.

“I do think there is an element where people are a little bit biased towards Real Madrid. But if Liverpool start to dominate – which there is every chance they could do – then why can’t they win it at Liverpool?”

Warnock also touched upon Mohamed Salah’s contract situation as he explained: “I expect the deal to get done. I think he was just leaning on the fans a little bit to show how much they want him and how much he loves the club.”

And discussing Virgil van Dijk’s contract negotiations, he added: “I just think there’s a will to carry on at Liverpool. Where would he go from Liverpool now? You can see he’s enjoying his football, he seems very settled.”