Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp 'identifies the ideal midfield partner for Jude Bellingham'

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp retains the full backing of the club and will be tasked with a major squad rebuild this summer.

Liverpool are now eighth in the Premier League following Saturday's chastening 4-1 defeat to Manchester City and speculation has grown over whether Klopp might be dismissed or step down from his role at the end of the season.

The German has touched on the topic himself, describing it as the "elephant in the room" ahead of Tuesday's league match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The Athletic claim that there is "no chance" of Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group, sacking Klopp irrespective of what happens between now and the end of May.

Klopp has enough credit in the bank at Anfield and will be afforded the chance to rebuild his squad this summer, with the German expected to receive significant transfer funds.

The Reds have made Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham their No 1 transfer target, with Real Madrid and Manchester City also hoping to sign the England international.

Klopp identifies ideal partner for Bellingham

GOAL claim Klopp is desperate to sign the midfielder and has identified an ideal midfield partner for the 19-year-old – his England teammate Mason Mount.

Mount is out of contract with Chelsea in 2024 and talks have stalled over a new long-term deal for the 24-year-old.

The midfielder has reportedly rejected the offer of a seven-year deal with the player unhappy with the terms offered.

Mount is currently one of the lowest-paid senior players at Stamford Bridge and wants a salary similar to his England teammates.

If a breakthrough isn't reached, Chelsea could be forced to sell Mount this summer rather than losing him for free at the end of next season.

GOAL claim Liverpool are "keen to take advantage of the situation" and have "admired the player for some time".

It is claimed that Liverpool were close to Mount as an U16 player when Michael Beale, the current Rangers manager and former Chelsea academy coach, was at Anfield.

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Liverpool "believe his age, experience and skillset make him an ideal fit for what is expected to be a significant summer rebuild under Jurgen Klopp".

Sources have told GOAL that Liverpool have held "productive" talks over a possible move for Mount, and that they would be willing and able to meet the player’s salary demands.

"In an ideal world he would love to team Mount with Jude Bellingham, his England colleague, in a new-look midfield at Anfield next season," the report adds.

Liverpool are likely to face competition for Mount's signature, with Manchester United and Bayern Munich also reportedly interested.