Liverpool could secure a return for Trent Alexander-Arnold in the near future, as links surrounding a transfer continue, but a loan switch would block off another deal being done

Trent Alexander-Arnold could be in line for a sensational return to Liverpool, as links surrounding a potential loan move have emerged, but any such deal would rule out signing another star this January.

The right-back has struggled to settle in at Real Madrid over the past year, since his controversial switch from Anfield, with the problems appearing to pile up.

Last season saw the Liverpool academy graduate struggle with injuries and a lack of form, while this campaign has seen Jose Mourinho prefer other options ahead of him, sending the England international further down the pecking order.

There has naturally been talk of an exit as a result, with uncertainty surrounding Alexander-Arnold's future at Real Madrid while he continues to sit on the fringes of the starting team.

Plenty of teams appear to be gearing up for a potential deal, should he become available, with Liverpool among the Premier League teams seemingly keeping an eye on the 28-year-old's situation.

Recent reports have claimed that a loan deal is being eyed for the winter transfer window, though it's unclear whether a move will be made in the coming weeks. However, should Alexander-Arnold make the surprise return on loan, then it would be a switch that would rule out other possible transfers.

Premier League rules state that only two loanees can be registered at any one time, while a maximum of four can be registered across the whole campaign. With Ronald Araujo currently on loan from Barcelona, that would leave just one slot left for a temporary signing, which Alexander-Arnold would take up in the event of a return on loan.

That would prevent other possible moves, including a potential switch for Real Madrid star Endrick. The Reds were linked with a late switch for the versatile forward in the summer, but Los Blancos made the decision to keep him for the rest of the campaign.

The 20-year-old Brazilian has struggled for minutes since, playing for just 74 minutes in La Liga since the close of the transfer window, leading to discussions of another potential loan move in January, similar to his time at Lyon last season.

If the Reds needed any convincing to make a move, then Carlo Ancelotti has already laid out all of the qualities the striker would bring. "He is spectacular," Ancelotti said last year in a press conference. "He has these amazing characteristics he has shown whenever he has a chance. His accuracy is off the charts, he's quick and he still has a lot to improve with the ball.

"But, wow, his dribbling, his runs... the shot he has... he could even score a second goal easily with that great strike off the post... He is just spectacular. Very young, but a very fast learner."

While Liverpool has been previously linked, a move for Endrick on loan wouldn't be possible if Alexander-Arnold also joins from Real Madrid on a temporary move in January, making for an interesting dilemma in the winter.

It all remains to be seen if any of those moves are possible to begin with, as the winter market becomes more about market opportunities rather than long-term transfer additions.

The focus for Liverpool and returning sporting director Julian Ward will be on the plan for the next summer and beyond, as the club looks to build on a positive start under Andoni Iraola so far.