Arne Slot has denied that rumours over Trent Alexander-Arnold's future are unstable, and he even hinted that they would be beneficial to Liverpool's title charge.
Alexander-Arnold's future at Liverpool has been one of the talked-about topics this season, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.
The England international was offered a contract extension by Liverpool but rejected the new contract, which could see him leave in January or become a free agent in the summer.
The defender has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, who are also keen on bringing him to Santiago Bernabéu.
09:51 - 04.01.2025
Liverpool boss Arne Slot confirms key player to miss Manchester United clash
Arne Slot is set to be without one of his key players as Liverpool welcome Manchester United to Anfield on Sunday.
08:51 - 04.01.2025
Difficult to answer - Slot does not rule out Alexander-Arnold sale in January
The Liverpool boss cannot guarantee that his star right-back will stay on Merseyside this month.
Slot speaks on Arnold’s rumour
Slot believes that Arnold's transfer speculations might be of an advantage for Liverpool in the title race.
According to the Daily Mail, he said, “No, maybe it's even helpful now you ask me,’ he said when quizzed on whether it was a distraction.
“Because if it is only about how great we are doing, then maybe every week I have to have a meeting telling the players “it is not perfect yet” and we have to do better—now maybe it is also about different things (in the press) and not everyone is telling them how great they are.
“So sometimes that can help as well. But for me it doesn't distract at all; I think we get enough credit for the way we play—and here in the building, we don't even talk about this speculation. Maybe in the building we do, but with the players, we don't talk about these situations.
“It doesn't distract at all; it is part of the business we're in and in January, it happens at every club in the world. People talk about, “Will he come in? Will he go away?” It doesn't distract me at all and I don't think it does for the players either.”
According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid are very optimistic about luring Alexander-Arnold to join them, most likely in the summer.
However, Liverpool are yet to receive any formal approaches for their star player and will be hoping he will stay and sign a new contract.