New footage has emerged of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Liverpool-linked midfielder Jude Bellingham enjoying one another's company over the weekend.
Bellingham has returned to the United Kingdom ahead of joining up with Gareth Southgate's England squad for fixtures against Italy and Ukraine later this week. And the teenager was seen dining with the Reds defender before the pair attended the London leg of American pop star Chris Brown's 'Under The Influence' world tour.
Alexander-Arnold, who has not been named in Southgate's initial 25-man squad for the Three Lions' double-header, struck up a close-knit friendship with Bellingham during last winter's World Cup in Qatar. So much so that he was dubbed 'agent Trent' by Reds fans, who are desperate for their club to sign the Borussia Dortmund star.
READ MORE: Liverpool 'increasingly unlikely' to sign Jude Bellingham this summer
READ MORE: When Liverpool's postponed game with Fulham could take place as Mitrovic twist emerges
The 19-year-old has been heavily linked with a mega-money move away from the Bundesliga outfit this summer, with Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester City thought to be the three frontrunners for his signature.
However, a fresh report from The Athletic's David Ornstein on Monday morning revealed the Reds' hopes of landing Bellingham had taken a substantial blow, with Anfield officials now said to be less confident of securing a deal due to the finances it would take to edge out both City and Real.
Orstein wrote "As there isn’t a release clause in Bellingham’s deal, his employers have no obligation to sell, and that is among the reasons why it is anticipated it will take a very high price to alter their stance.
"That makes a deal challenging for every interested party and therefore — as things stand — it is regarded as increasingly unlikely that Liverpool will sign Bellingham in this summer’s transfer window.
"The 19-time English champions have probably been more heavily linked than anyone else and manager Jurgen Klopp is a huge admirer.
"But the anticipated fee, the financial power of rival suitors and their reticence about entering a bidding war at the level expected has cast significant doubt on Liverpool’s chances.
"It does not mean their pursuit is off and no firm decisions have been made, although sources with knowledge of the matter think City and Real Madrid are in stronger positions at the moment."
"Considering Liverpool will finish this season empty-handed in terms of trophies (other than August’s Community Shield victory over City), sit seven points outside the Champions League spots after 26 of their 38 games, have expiring contracts and are ageing in parts of the squad, some major calls are approaching, and recruitment work is taking place on multiple fronts and with various options.
"Such factors will impact the budget and, in turn, Liverpool’s ultimate hopes of landing Bellingham."
It is expected to be a massive summer of change in the Reds' midfield ranks. They are expected to wave goodbye to both Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Both of the pair's contracts are up at the end of the season and, as it stands, neither is in line to receive an extension to prolong their careers on Merseyside.
James Milner, too, finds himself out of contract at the end of the campaign. But despite turning 37 in January, the Liverpool vice-captain could extend his terms, akin to 12 months ago.
READ NEXT:
Liverpool could be set for £20m discount on deal to sign 'next Gini Wijnaldum'
Liverpool signed lean prodigy for £20m and he now looks totally different as a coach
Inside story of viral Liverpool video that showed new side to Steven Gerrard
- Luis Diaz is about to unlock a lethal new partnership in Liverpool attack
- Mohamed Salah agent comments show Liverpool situation has changed for him and his client
