Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is in talks over a new five-year contract with the club, eight months after signing his last extension.
The 18-year-old put pen to paper on a long-term deal with the Reds in November, and is currently tied down until 2021, when he will be 22.
But after establishing himself as a reliable first-team option under Jurgen Klopp last season, making 12 appearances, the youngster is in line for an improved contract.
According to the Times‘ Paul Joyce, this is set to extend his current terms to 2022, and is likely to include substantial pay rise, given his increasing importance at Anfield.
Alexander-Arnold’s representatives are in discussions with Liverpool, but there should not be an issue given his status on Merseyside.
As a West Derby native, Alexander-Arnold became the 18th local player to debut for the Reds since Steven Gerrard when he made his debut in October’s 2-1 win at home to Tottenham in the League Cup.
And speaking in May, he outlined his ambition to captain Liverpool in the future.
“I want to play for Liverpool for my whole career and one day hopefully I’ll captain the side,” he said.
“Until I have finally reached being captain and I’m playing week in, week out, I’ll never be satisfied.”
Alexander-Arnold would become the fifth player to sign a new deal with the Reds this year, following Joe Gomez, Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren.
The proximity between Liverpool’s offer of improved terms highlights the impression he has made since stepping up into the first-team squad last summer.
He is now set to challenge Nathaniel Clyne for a starting berth at right-back, with Klopp proving his faith in the teenager throughout 2016/17, including seven outings in the Premier League.
Two of the most impressive attributes Alexander-Arnold possesses are his humility and mental fortitude, and this should stand him in good stead moving forward at Liverpool.
“You can’t ever be complacent,” he added in May. “You need to do everything you can to keep the shirt.”
Elsewhere, Emre Can only has one year left on his deal, with the Germany midfielder hopefully set to extend his contract this summer.
