Arne Slot delivers Trent Alexander-Arnold verdict amid Real Madrid transfer storm | OneFootball

Liverpool manager Arne Slot revealed that Trent Alexander-Arnold will line up for the Reds against Manchester United despite intense scrutinty surrounding his future.

The 26-year-old right-back has been at the epicentre of an unrelenting transfer saga which has only gained momentum throughout the season. A long-running target for Real Madrid, the Spanish giants have lined up multiple bids now that the January window is open.

Yet, despite the mounting speculation surrounding his expiring contract, Alexander-Arnold has remained a fixture of Slot's all-conquering Liverpool side. The full-back has been more restrained in his forward forays this term, but produced a goal and an assist in a particularly impressive display against West Ham United last time out.

When quizzed on whether Alexander-Arnold would remain part of Liverpool's plans for this weekend's Premier League clash against Manchester United, Slot was emphatic. "I can tell you he's playing on Sunday," the Dutch coach declared, "and hopefully brings the same performance he's been bringing in the last half a year. He played an incredible game against West Ham."

Slot confirmed he had spoken to Alexander-Arnold about the situation but declined to reveal the details of the pair's conversation.

"Yes, I spoke to him," Slot said.

"Do you really think [I would discuss it]..? I completely understand the question and why you ask it but you already know the answer, these conversations I have never shared, not about Trent not about any others, about what I talk to them about."

Trent Alexander-Arnold responded to the unrelenting transfer rumours with his goal celebration against West Ham / Julian Finney/GettyImages

"You saw how much he wants to be here and wants to win here," Slot added. "We all saw that against West Ham, the pass he gave to Mo... I see him at training every day, working his a*** off, he will play on Sunday."

For all of the praise, Slot was keen to avoid complacency. "Trent can still improve and I already saw some improvement this season," he continued, "but these players are on top of the world and do not have much room for improvement, although there is always some room.

"In my opinion, Trent has made a step up defensively this season and in some games he was outstanding in every part of the game, sometimes he was a bit up and down and could have done a bit better.

"But it is about consistency for top players."

While Slot is striving for perfection in his table-topping team, there is plenty more room for improvement at their relegation-threatened visitors.