Chelsea have been linked with a shock move for former Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Alexander-Arnold, 28, has fallen well down the pecking order at Real Madrid since Jose Mourinho's arrival in the summer, leading to speculation about his long-term future at the club. He is thought to be unhappy with his lack of game time, having started just four matches this season, and could explore a move back to the Premier League.

Now, former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Chelsea are prepared to offer Alexander-Arnold an exit route from Real Madrid if he becomes available.

The Blues could look to strengthen in that position with Reece James out until at least mid-January after undergoing surgery on a new knee injury. James, 26, has sustained the issue in training before Chelsea's 5-1 win against Bournemouth earlier this month and is expected to be unavailable for the foreseeable future.

Malo Gusto is expected to deputise in his absence, though Alexander-Arnold could become an option for Xabi Alonso and Chelsea once the January transfer window opens.

"One name who I have heard in connection with a move to Chelsea is Trent Alexander-Arnold," Brown told Football Insider. "It came as a bit of a surprise to me, to be honest, but he has fallen well down the pecking order at Real Madrid to the point where he's now the second or even third choice.

"It appears Mourinho doesn't rate him particularly in that right-back position, and he's not the only one, because he's been out in the cold for England as well. Alexander-Arnold is a talented footballer who has a very good skillset, but it is those weaknesses in his game that often raises concerns.

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"Chelsea, though, will always be keen on the possibility of signing a big-name player, it's just what they do, so they'll be keeping an eye on whether he does become available.

"There's always the talk about him going back to Liverpool as well, but I don't think that's going to be a possibility because of the way he left, nobody was particularly happy.

"They'll want to avoid that situation coming up again, as will he I expect, so Chelsea could be where he ends up and he could be tempted if they decide to make a move."

Despite dropping down to third-choice behind Federico Valverde and Denzel Dumfries at Real Madrid, Alexander-Arnold is still one of the best players in his position. The England international has endured a difficult time at Los Blancos, but he flourished at Liverpool, performing on a consistently high level for several years.

He would add some more creative spark on Chelsea's right-hand side, whether he would be used as a defender or even a central midfielder. Alonso worked with Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid last season.