Trent Alexander-Arnold's Liverpool exit and the three knock-on effects for Newcastle United

Newcastle United will be keeping a close eye on developments at Anfield after Trent Alexander-Arnold announced his decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the season. The boyhood Red has called time on his association with the club, with a move to Real Madrid the most likely destination come the end of his Liverpool contract.

It's been one of the transfer sagas of the summer, with Arne Slot's side preparing for a busy summer transfer window after securing this season's Premier League title. The champions have been able to secure talismanic duo Mohamed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk's future, but Alexander-Arnold won't be part of their title defence next season.

"After 20 years at Liverpool Football Club, now is the time for me to confirm that I will be leaving at the end of the season," he posted on X. "This is easily the hardest decision I've ever made in my life."

"I know many of you have wondered why or been frustrated that I haven't spoken about this yet, but it was always my intention to keep my full focus on the team's best interests, which was securing No.20," continued Alexander-Arnold's statement.

"This club has been my whole life - my whole world - for 20 years. From the Academy right through until now, the support and love I have felt from everyone inside and outside of the club will stay with me forever.

"I will forever be in debt to you all. My love for this club will never die."

But how does this impact Newcastle United? Well, Tino Livramento has been linked with a move to the Premier League champions as potential replacement for the outgoing England international. Back in March, a report from Give Me Sport claimed the Reds were admirers of the versatile Magpies full-back, who has impressed for Eddie Howe's side this season.

Since arriving from Southampton, Livramento has become the first-choice at right-back and played a major role in the Toon's Carabao Cup success. Newcastle won't want to lose the young defender, with both he and Lewis Hall tipped to become England's first choice full-backs in the seasons to come.

Alternatively, the Magpies have also been linked with summer transfer swoops for both Joe Gomez and Jarrell Quansah, but Liverpool's new found need for a right-back could impact the aforementioned duo. Both defenders are capable of playing at right-back and Slot is unlikely to sanction any departures until a replacement can be found.

Even then, the two centre-backs by trade have had to play second fiddle to Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate this season and both will want assurances of regular football. Konate is approaching the final year of his contract and that will need resolving before sanctioning any departures, in an attempt to avoid a repeat of Alexander-Arnold's departure,

Liverpool's pursuit of Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen could open the door for Gomez and or Quansah to depart, with Newcastle likely to be alert this summer. That being said, they aren't the only defenders linked with a move to Tyneside.

Marc Guehi links have resurfaced in recent months, while they've also been linked with a move for Huijsen this summer, though securing Champions League football will likely play a key part in any potential transfer talks.