Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham have once again been spotted in Los Angeles as whispers of the Liverpool man joining his England team-mate in Madrid grow louder.

Alexander-Arnold, who is Liverpool’s vice captain, is entering the final year of his contract with the Reds, with it unclear how far along potential negotiations the club and player are.

Reports have surfaced in recent days of Real Madrid being interested in signing the defender as the latest piece of the jigsaw in their mega-team that includes Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jnr and Bellingham.

Fans have been left speculating that Bellingham is on a mission to recruit the 25-year-old and persuade him to join Madrid, with a potential deal possible as early as this summer.

The duo have become good friends since Bellingham was introduced to the England set-up two years ago, with many wondering whether roles would be reserved and Alexander-Arnold could persuade England’s star to join Liverpool before he signed for Madrid.

But that didn’t happen, and the shoe is now on the other foot, with Alexander-Arnold’s future up in the air and Bellingham’s settled.

The pair grew even closer in Germany during England’s run to the Euro 2024 final, and they have jetted off together for a much-needed break after becoming close friends.

Earlier this week, they were seen partying together in LA, and their adventures haven’t stopped there as they were once again pictured together with their entourages.

They enjoyed a meal at the renowned Nobu Malibu, which would have provided the perfect opportunity for Bellingham to sweet talk his friend over a potential move.

An agreement could be made as soon as January with Alexander-Arnold’s current contract up in a year’s time, with pre-contract agreements able to be made a few months out from the expiry.

It wouldn’t be the first big-money free transfer Madrid have secured were that to happen, with Mbappe running down his deal at PSG in France before moving to Spain this summer.

Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold started two games together at the Euros this summer, with the latter starting in an unfamiliar midfield role being being dropped for the third group game and beyond after criticism of his performances.

The Real Madrid star leapt to his pal’s defence on the back of the critisim, telling ITV Sport: ‘He makes it so easy for me because he can control the game so well defensively in that position.

‘I know people talk a lot of rubbish but he’s so aggressive with that back to goal pressure and it really helped me as well because it meant I got a breather when he went out.

‘I think we understand each other well with the ball, he wants to play positive all the time, he wants to play forward all the time.’

Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, said of Bellingham: ‘When you’ve got players like him, then of course you’re grateful to have him in your team rather than any other nation. 

‘He’s a player that will help the country to win tournaments, successful at such a young age, knows how to win, knows what it takes to win, got the mentality and of course can play amazing football too.’

Liverpool hope to be able to persuade their academy graduate to sign a new deal with the club, and fans were left hopeful when covered seats were seen at Anfield this week.

The covers looked to be on top of No 66 – Alexander-Arnold’s shirt number at Liverpool – as well as four other numbers, convincing supporters that a new contract was set to be announced.

They were left disappointed, however, when it was revealed that the sheets were there simply to protect the seats from building work on the roof above.

Asked on Alexander-Arnold’s future, meanwhile, Reds boss Arne Slot said: ‘My answer would probably be a bit boring. The same answer you have heard in the last five, six, seven years.

‘Contract negotiations are not discussed at this place. So just keep trying, I would say.’

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, meanwhile, added earlier this month: ‘Clearly, the more time we spend with the current squad… which we’re both delighted to have inherited, it’s a very talented squad. We need to improve and we need to improve on the training pitch, first and foremost.

‘With the window open we will always be opportunistic if we can, if we can improve certain areas as we go we will look to do that. Contractual situations, I don’t think it would be fair for me to talk about. These are private matters between club and players.

‘The only concern I have, that Arne has, about those situations and everyone else in the squad is that there is total commitment from the players to the cause for next season – and we are absolutely convinced that is the case.’

‘Bellingham persuading Trent Alexander Arnold that Madrid is better than Liverpool,’ one fan posted on X, formerly Twitter, in response to the duo holidaying together.

Another wrote: ‘Trent is in LA w/Bellingham and couple Madrid lads read into that what you will.’

A third posted: ‘Can’t believe Trent would pick Real Madrid over Liverpool just to play with Bellingham.’