The real reason seats at Anfield have been covered up after Liverpool fans thought Trent Alexander-Arnold could be signing a new contract

Liverpool fans were dealt a blow after some optimistic supporters theorised Trent Alexander-Arnold was set to sign a new deal based on seats at Anfield being covered.

Arne Slot's start to life as Liverpool manager has been somewhat underwhelming with the club yet to sign any new recruits in the summer transfer window.

Jurgen Klopp's departure at the end of last season means a new dawn is being welcomed in at Anfield as the Reds look to compete amongst Europe's elite in the Champions League and Premier League in the coming months.

Alexander-Arnold is one of the club's current crop of stars who Liverpool fans are hoping can maintain the impressive form he produced under Klopp, but there are fears he could look to leave the club.

The local star is a fan-favourite at Anfield but is reportedly the subject of interest from Real Madrid, who could offer him the chance to link-up with England team-mate and close friend Jude Bellingham.

Liverpool fans are hoping this will not be the case with the full-backs current contract expiring next year.

Some supporters even suggested a new long-term deal was close after spotting seats being covered at the club's stadium.

Hopeful theories posted on social media by Liverpool fans suggested images showing groups of seats in the lower tier of the Anfield Road end part of the ground were being covered as part of an announcement confirming Alexander-Arnold's contract extension.

Some fans believed the numbers 66 - Alexander-Arnold's shirt number - and 2027 were hidden underneath the blue mesh.

This led to excitement beginning to grow that the team vice-captain had committed his future to the Reds.

However, the real reason is far less interesting after it was revealed the seats have had protectors placed over as repair work is carried out on the roof above.

The front edge of the stand roof is being touched up ahead of the new season getting underway and the covers are believed to have been in place for at least a week.

Meanwhile, fans will have to wait a little longer to get a glimpse at Alexander-Arnold after he wasn't named in Liverpool's 28-man travelling squad to the USA.

The England international has been granted an extended summer break after the Three Lions' Euro 2024 final defeat and will return for club duties at a later date.