Liverpool have begun discussions with Conor Bradley regarding a new five-year contract.
New manager Arne Slot views the Northern Ireland defender as a potential long-term successor to Trent Alexander-Arnold, with Alexander-Arnold possibly moving to Real Madrid at the end of the season.
Bradley signed his previous contract just 15 months ago, but Liverpool are eager to secure his future due to uncertainty surrounding Alexander-Arnold.
The 21-year-old’s current contract runs until 2027, and he is reportedly keen to extend his stay until 2030.
Bradley’s current weekly wage is reportedly £10,000.
Liverpool’s new offer is expected to be around £75,000 per week.
This new salary would place Bradley on a similar pay scale to more established first-team players in Slot’s squad.
With both sides agreeing in principle, a deal could be finalized before the end of the current season.
Alexander-Arnold, along with Mo Salah and Virgil Van Dijk, could potentially leave Anfield on free transfers at the end of their contracts, which would be a significant setback for the club.
Alexander-Arnold is heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, who reportedly had a £20 million bid rejected by Liverpool in January.
However, Liverpool remains optimistic about persuading Salah and Van Dijk to remain at the club.
Bradley’s emergence as a strong option at right-back could soften the impact of Alexander-Arnold’s possible departure.
Following a successful loan spell at Bolton in League One during the 2022/23 season, Bradley became a key member of Liverpool’s squad under Jurgen Klopp last season.
Bradley made 23 appearances, including starting in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final victory over Chelsea.
Slot has continued to show faith in Bradley this season, giving him 22 appearances so far.
The manager has been rewarded with impressive performances, including a strong defensive display against Kylian Mbappe in Liverpool’s 2-0 Champions League win over Real Madrid in November.
Liverpool has declined to comment on the contract negotiations.
Marcus Bellamy