Barcelona and Bayern Munich join race to sign 26-year-old star wanted by Real Madrid: Reports

Real Madrid will face competition from Barcelona and Bayern Munich for the services of Trent Alexander-Arnold, according to talkSPORT. The English right-back is in the final year of his contract with Liverpool and hasn't signed a new deal yet.

Alexander-Arnold rose through the ranks at Anfield before he was handed his first-team bow by Jurgen Klopp in 2016. Since then, the 26-year-old has become a mainstay at the back for the Merseyside club and has been a key ingredient in their recent success.

His efforts have apparently convinced Real Madrid, who are laying down succession plans for Dani Carvajal. The veteran Spaniard is currently sidelined with an ACL injury and his contract expires next summer.

While Caravajal is expected to sign a new deal, Los Blancos believe Alexander-Arnold could eventually replace the 32-year-old at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, Real Madrid will face competition from Barcelona in the race for the Englishman.

The right-back area remains a concern for the Catalans, with Jules Kounde currently filling in at the position. However, the Frenchman prefers a more central role and the club are looking for a specialist right-back for the position.

Barcelona are likely to be enticed by Alexander-Arnold's contract situation, given their poor financial situation. Apart from the LaLiga duo, Bayern Munich also have their eyes on the Liverpool man.

The Reds remain engaged in talks to tie the player down to a new deal. However, their efforts haven't been fruitful so far.

Could Barcelona and Real Madrid battle for Trent Alexander-Arnold in January?

Recent reports from MARCA (via GOAL) have suggested that Liverpool have already accepted that Trent Alexander-Arnold will leave Anfield at the end of this season. The Reds are now ready to cash in on their prized asset in January, to avoid losing him for free next summer.

Real Madrid and Barcelona are expected to keep an eye on the developments in Anfield and could lock horns for the player at the turn of the year. The presence of Jude Bellingham, who is a close friend of Alexander-Arnold, could give Los Blancos an advantage in the race.

The Catalans, meanwhile, may have to address their poor finances before they can script a deal for the Englishman. Barcelona would prefer to sign the player on a Bosman move at the end of the summer. However, should Alexander-Arnold become available in January, Real Madrid will be the favorites to lap him up.