Liverpool have ruled out the possibility of signing Trent Alexander-Arnold, the latest report has claimed.
The Reds will take on Manchester City on Sunday in the Premier League, with the club hoping to maintain pace with their rivals for Champions League football.
Arne Slot will face a dilemma at right-back given both Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong are currently sidelined, with Dominik Szoboszlai expected to fill in on Sunday.
The team have struggled to replace departed defender Alexander-Arnold, who left to join Real Madrid in the summer of 2025, though the Englishman has been linked with an exit after failing to settle into life in Spain.
TEAMtalk claim that Liverpool will not be bringing the 27-year-old back to Anfield as they believe their long-term planning is already complete.
Why Liverpool have struggled without Trent Alexander-Arnold
Alexander-Arnold is a renowned passer, and he was able to transform matches by himself for Liverpool, quickly turning defence into attack.
The exit of the right-back robbed the Reds of their ability to consistently bypass opponents, with defenders such as Conor Bradley, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong encountering difficulties in buildup.
Liverpool's struggles at the back have at times left players like Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike isolated, limiting their ability to break down opposition defences.
The Reds may have been able to challenge Arsenal at the top of the table had they adequately replaced Alexander-Arnold's passing range, and they must look to address their shortcomings in the upcoming transfer window.
How can Liverpool replace Trent Alexander-Arnold?
Liverpool have been tentatively linked with a move for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, and the Englishman is an exceptional passer in deep areas of the pitch.
If they can secure his signature in the summer, the Reds' buildup play would be significantly improved, and they may be able to provide their attackers with considerably more opportunities in the final third.
The Merseysiders could have to beat the likes of Manchester United to his signature, so securing Champions League football for next season will be key to entice the Palace man.