The Reds came close to signing the Euro 2024 winner last summer when they were ready to activate the £51m release clause in his Sociedad contract. Zubimendi, however, turned down a move to Anfield in favour of staying with his boyhood club.

Wednesday’s news has been dominated by Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest, but also a potential update on Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘s future. Real Madrid have not given up their hope of signing Alexander-Arnold…but there is an acceptance that they will not do so in January.

Yes, Liverpool’s right-back struggled. But it’s more likely a bad day at the office than a sign that Alexander-Arnold's mind is elsewhere

Alexander-Arnold has been interviewed by various broadcast outlets this season, but his contract is never brought up as “the topic has been off-limits,” in the words of the Athletic ‘s James Pearce.

Arnold’s Resilience Amid Real Madrid LinksLiverpool manager Arne Slot has publicly backed Trent Alexander-Arnold, describing the criticism aimed at the full-back

Arnold's proposed move to Real Madrid won't happen this month, according to Spanish reports, with Los Blancos cooling their interest in the full-back

The Liverpool defender is out of contract in the summer and according to a journalist in Spain, could depart in January for a huge price

Real Madrid's defensive issues are so severe it might be forced into the January market and it appears there are no shortage of immediate solutions at right-back.

Fear not, fans of exhausting transfer sagas, the claims in Spain still have Real Madrid confident of signing the Liverpool right back for next season.

Real Madrid, by all accounts, have made a decision on their January pursuit of Trent Alexander-Arnold, while speculation continues to surround the Liverpool icon.