Trent Alexander-Arnold has once again been linked with a potential return to Liverpool in the coming months, while his struggles at Real Madrid continue

Liverpool has started to put in the groundwork to complete a potential loan return for Trent Alexander-Arnold in January, according to reports, as links surrounding the Real Madrid star continue to ramp up.

The 28-year-old has struggled to show the best qualities he displayed during his time at Anfield since switching to the Bernabeu, with his previous campaign being filled with injury concerns and a general lack of form across the team.

This season has been a different task altogether, as the right-back has effectively become third-choice under Jose Mourinho, due to the emergence of Denzel Dumfries and Federico Valverde there.

Chances have been limited for Alexander-Arnold, who has been handed the occasional start, but has often had to fight for a few minutes from the bench, which is hardly what he would have envisaged when he made the controversial exit from Liverpool to move to the Spanish capital.

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There have been links to an exit as a result, though reports have been mixed when it comes to exactly what is happening. Some have suggested that Alexander-Arnold is considering his options, while others suggest the defender is still pushing to compete at Real Madrid.

There is certainty in the fact that there will be suitors for the England international if he is available, with clubs in the Premier League seemingly on standby for any movement.

That includes Liverpool, as Spanish outlet Cadena SER reports that inquiries have already been made by the Reds to seek the terms of a possible return to Anfield.

It states that an initial loan deal for January has been suggested, which could see him make a switch in the winter market, before options would then be assessed again in the summer market.

It's unclear whether Real Madrid would be open to such a request, but considering the wealth of options available to Mourinho, it's a deal that would help create some financial headroom while allowing Alexander-Arnold to get the playing time that he would want.

In the long-term, the plan may be for an exit in the summer, regardless of a loan move in January, as the report adds that Tottenham and Spain ace Pedro Porro is a target, with Los Blancos set to battle with Barcelona for his signature in the coming months.

That may only push Alexander-Arnold closer towards the exit door, in a move that could leave Liverpool torn on exactly what to do. While right-back has been a problem area, Ronald Araujo has largely helped solve those issues with his loan switch from Barcelona, offering the unrelenting desire to run and defend to the backline.

The Uruguayan international is unanimously beloved by the fans, while it's unclear exactly what reception the former academy star would receive in comparison.

However, should he return at the best of his ability, then the Reds know exactly what they would be getting. An option who can create from right-back may be ideal, but only if he can hit that level again, with a loan offering a potential low-risk return.