Arne Slot has insisted that Liverpool’s ‘mentally robust’ Trent Alexander-Arnold gained’t be distracted by ongoing rumours of a transfer to Actual Madrid.

Along with his contract expiring on the finish of the season, Alexander-Arnold, as you’ll know, has been linked with a transfer to Madrid.

These rumours have popped up extra ceaselessly since their right-back, Dani Carvajal, suffered a season-ending damage on the age of 32 years outdated.

On Thursday, Spanish newspaper Marca claimed that Liverpool already know that Alexander-Arnold is not going to signal a brand new contract.

Nonetheless, Paul Joyce of the Occasions refuted this, writing: “Liverpool have mentioned that declare is ­incorrect.”

Fortunately, Slot doesn’t assume the continued tales will have an effect on any of his gamers, with Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah additionally within the highlight as their offers expire in eight months’ time.

The Reds’ head coach informed press together with the Liverpool Echo: “These gamers are used to being linked with all the highest golf equipment every day, whether or not they have contracts or not.

“For those who assume they’re disturbed by these pursuits, then I believe you don’t do justice to how robust they’re mentally and what they’re used to.

“That is a part of our job. I used to be at Feyenoord final yr and so they linked me with many golf equipment and earlier than that and earlier than that. That is a part of this world we live in.

“You simply give attention to what it’s a must to do. Perhaps if you happen to’re 17 or 18 years of age, that might be troublesome for you. However Trent has gained the league, has gained the Champions League, Virgil and Mo are the identical.

“I don’t assume that may be a drawback for them to carry out. That’s additionally what we see in the mean time as a result of they’re taking part in rather well, put it that means.”

Arne Slot’s position on contract selections

When Slot took over from Jurgen Klopp, he grew to become Liverpool’s first official ‘head coach’ fairly than supervisor.

This implies he has barely fewer duties than his predecessor, although he nonetheless has a say in contract negotiations, as he defined:

“I’ve all the time been a head coach and I’ve all the time been concerned in contract conditions like ‘who do you need to lengthen?’

“I’m not the one that’s sitting in entrance of the brokers speaking about cash. I don’t assume Jurgen Klopp did this? I believe there isn’t a distinction.”

Slot went on to say: “My important focus is now the short-term and I believe in soccer it’s primarily concerning the short-term – particularly in case you are a supervisor.

“We’re planning the long-term as nicely however that’s extra for me to assist Richard (Hughes) with the long-term. My important focus is the short-term.”

As normal, the Dutchman gave nothing away on the state of contract negotiations along with his gamers, however it’s considerably reassuring to know he isn’t apprehensive about off-field anxieties creeping onto the pitch.

Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk and Salah are free to barter a free switch with a overseas membership from January 1.