Real Madrid look beyond Arnold, plot sensational move for another Liverpool defender

Real Madrid are reportedly eyeing another Liverpool defensive star after publicly declaring interest in the club's vice-captain Alexander Arnold.

This time, they are going one step further in the Reds dressing room leadership hierarchy, as they are said to be weighing up a possible move for the club's captain, Virgil Van Dijk. 

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Los Blancos have had to endure significant absentees in their backline over the course of the past two seasons. Each member of their first-choice back four, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba, has been ruled out for a considerable amount of time. 

While Rudiger and Alaba have returned, Carvajal is ruled out for the season, hence the pursuit for Arnold in January, and Militao is also expected to be out until next summer. 

Carlo Ancelotti has had to make do with workarounds, with young Raul Asencio seamlessly slotting into the team. However, Los Blancos are said to be considering bringing in an experienced body at the back. 

Like Trent, the Liverpool captain's contract also expires at the end of the current campaign, leaving him vulnerable to poachers like Real Madrid. 

According to Spanish publication Dario AS, Los Merengues view the Netherlands international as a unique “one-year market opportunity” and could snap him up on a free next summer and offer him a 12-month. 

However, it is unlikely Van Dijk would accept such a contract, as it is believed length, in addition to remuneration, are the stumbling block in his renewal for Liverpool. In his recent update, he said advancements have not been made in negotiations with the Reds; however, he said he remains committed to the club as they coast towards their second Premier League title.