Liverpool's starting line-up could have a very different look about it next season, with head coach Arne Slot likely to be very active in the summer transfer market

It certainly feels like the saga has benefited nobody: not Liverpool, who have had uncertainty shrouding the future of one of their crown jewels; not the player, who has surely been conscious of the speculation; and not even Madrid, who would have wanted him to join in January given the injury to right-back Dani Carvajal.

Real Madrid have finally secured the signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold with a number of high-profile outlets all indicating a full agreement with the Spanish giants is set to be announced.