Mark Bellingham, father of superstar teenager Jude, has reportedly been spotted in secret talks with Real Madrid over a potential move this summer in what could be a major blow to Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp’s transfer plans.
The Borussia Dortmund man, who has shone this season in the centre of midfield for the German club, further raised his profile with a series of excellent outings at the World Cup for Gareth Southgate and England, while he has gone from strength to strength while captaining Dortmund.
He is expected to leave this summer and at present, he is valued at 150m euros by the German club, though they themselves would like to keep the Englishman should the possibility arise.
According to reports coming out of Germany, however, Real Madrid have re-entered the race for Bellingham’s signature, with Los Blancos keen to plan for their future beyond the careers of veteran duo Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
For his part though, Bellingham is allegedly ‘a huge admirer of Klopp and Liverpool’, which has left ‘some involved in the Bellingham pursuit feeling this is Liverpool’s deal to lose’ should they be able to find the fee.
Liverpool’s final 13 games of the season could have a big role to play, with the Reds currently not set to be able to offer Champions League next season but showing signs that they may be the most in-form side of the chasing pack for 4th place.
