Trent Alexander-Arnold offered Real Madrid advice by Steve McManaman as Liverpool sweat

Steve McManaman has insisted that Trent Alexander-Arnold's decision regarding a potential move to Real Madrid is a personal call, but did remind the Liverpool vice-captain of his own enjoyable experience at the Bernabeu.

Alexander-Arnold, who was injured during Saturday's match against Aston Villa, is one of three Reds players whose contracts expire at the end of the season.

While Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah are over 30, the right-back, at 26, still has plenty of years in his prime. McManaman was 27 when he allowed his Anfield contract to run out, moving to the Bernabeu at the end of the 1998-99 season.

He spent four years in the Spanish capital before returning to England to finish his career with Manchester City. However, fellow Liverpool academy graduate Michael Owen had a different experience, ending his time at Madrid after just one season.

Nevertheless, Alexander-Arnold was reminded that he has several factors to consider. "Would I encourage it? I had the most wonderful time," McManaman said on ahead of Liverpool's Premier League victory against Villa.

"I think if you speak to somebody else, Michael Owen was only there for a year, he had a great time but came back. I personally don't know Trent's situation. I think Liverpool want him to stay but it's entirely a personal thing, isn't it?

"Do Real Madrid want him? I think every club in the world would want him, someone of his calibre on a free... I think that goes without saying. But he might want to stay here - his family are here - or he might think 'You know what, I've been here 20 years as a man and a boy, i'll try somewhere new'.

"Because once he stays, if he does stay and sign a five year, six year deal here, he's here for the future, isn't he, he's here for life."

McManaman also humorously pointed out that Real Madrid haven't been performing at their best recently. Carlo Ancelotti's team have had a tough time defending their Champions League title, suffering losses to Lille and AC Milan, which has left them in 18th place out of 36 teams in the new league phase.

They also suffered a defeat in the first Clasico of the season, losing 4-0 to runaway league leaders Barcelona. However, they bounced back on Saturday with Vinicius Junior scoring a hat-trick in a four-goal victory over Osasuna.

That win was overshadowed by an injury to Eder Militao, who was stretchered off after half an hour. The centre-back, who was sidelined for most of last campaign due to a cruciate ligament injury, has suffered another ACL tear and will be out for the rest of the season.