Real Madrid are increasingly confident of beating Liverpool to the signature of English sensation Jude Bellingham this summer according to reports in Spain.
The Englishman is one of the hottest prospects in world football, and is expected to begin a frenzy for his signature should it become public knowledge that he is free to leave next summer, with reports claiming that he will cost upwards of £100m should he depart Germany.
As per the Athletic, Dortmund remain adamant that, although he is still stalling on a new contract, he will not be departing the club for less than 150m euros this summer. With no release clause, they are in a strong position to make sure that their demands are met.
Liverpool are known to be keen admirers of the midfielder, with Jurgen Klopp keen to turnover an ageing midfield, while Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Real Madrid are all likely to be in the picture.
When quizzed on it himself, Bellingham refused to enter into discussions about his future.
“The club have done loads for me and made me feel very welcome since I first came and gave me the opportunities to develop even further. To look past that and into the future would be disrespectful”, he told reporters.
“Jude Bellingham is Real Madrid’s primary target for the 2023 summer transfer window”, the Spanish outlet claim, before adding that “Real Madrid [is] believed to be his preferred destination”.
With the addition of Bellingham, Los Blancos would be in possession of three of the best young midfielders in World Football, in a move that could more than make up for the ageing of the likes of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
