Liverpool news: Shock transfer considered as verdict given - 'we want players like that'

Arne Slot faces another summer of transition(Image: PA)

While attention focuses on Liverpool's summer recruitment plans, the club has been shaken by speculation that one of their key stars is attracting interest from arch-rivals Manchester United.

Liverpool splashed out during a summer transfer spree that saw them smash their club and league record on two separate occasions. The benchmark was first broken with Florian Wirtz before being eclipsed again by Alexander Isak. Their outlay also featured £79million on Hugo Ekitike, £40million on Milos Kerkez, £29.5million on Jeremie Frimpong and £26million on Giovanni Leoni.

The Reds' campaign hasn't unfolded as expected so far. Nevertheless, Arne Slot's squad remain alive in the Champions League and FA Cup, while also chasing European qualification, and bolstering their remarkable summer investment will undoubtedly be prioritised over losing key personnel. Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at the latest news from Anfield.

Trent Alexander-Arnold received praise from Alvaro Arbeloa(Image: Denis Doyle, Getty Images)

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Former Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold seems to have received assurances about his future at Real Madrid. The full-back secured his second assist for Los Blancos at the weekend since joining the club last summer.

Arbeloa, who represented Liverpool from 2007 until 2009, took over from Xabi Alonso as Madrid boss last month. The Spanish powerhouse have triumphed in all five of their league matches since.

Madrid defeated Real Sociedad 4-1 at home at the weekend in a performance that witnessed Alexander-Arnold excel with a string of signature deliveries. The defender was making his first appearance since December 3 after recovering from injury. The England defender also played the entirety of Madrid's 1-0 win against Benfica on Tuesday.

Rumours have been swirling that the ex-Reds defender could depart Madrid after just a single season. Some reports even suggested he was told to start searching for a new club. However, Arbeloa has shared his opinion on Alexander-Arnold. He's asserted that Madrid "wants" players of the Scouser's calibre.

"He seems very, very intelligent to me; he understands the game quite well and quite quickly," Arbeloa commented following Saturday's victory. "He's not the typical full-back who's always out wide; he'll also be playing a lot further inside. In our system, we want players like that."

Alexis Mac Allister is a shock target for Manchester United(Image: Lewis Storey, Getty Images)

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United are planning a shock swoop for Alexis Mac Allister. United are in the hunt to acquire a new midfielder in the summer window and Mac Allister, 27, has been pinpointed as a possible option.

The Old Trafford bosses are believed to be monitoring closely the Argentina World Cup champion, who has two-and-a-half years remaining on his deal at Liverpool.

Rumours have intensified regarding Mac Allister's prospects at Anfield, with the former Brighton ace experiencing a challenging campaign which has witnessed him struggle to reach his customary high benchmarks.

There have been numerous instances of players who have represented both United and Liverpool during their careers, including Michael Owen and Paul Ince, but none have transferred directly between them since 1964. That happened when Phil Chisnall made the contentious move.