Chelsea retain a strong interest in Jude Bellingham but Borussia Dortmund will not sell for less than £130 million amid interest from Man City, Man United and Real Madrid, according to reports.
The England midfielder is one of the hottest prospects in European football, having joined Borussia Dortmund from Birmingham City, where the midlands club retired his number after his departure.
Chelsea were in the market for a midfielder this summer, with Denis Zakaria arriving at Stamford Bridge on Deadline Day.
However, just days later, Thomas Tuchel was dismissed as head coach of Chelsea, with Zakaria admitting that he arrived at the club in order to work under the German.
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He said:"I wanted to work with Thomas Tuchel. His presence is one of the reasons why I accepted this loan at Chelsea.
"One more proof that everything can go very quickly in football."
Billy Gilmour was also allowed to leave on a permanent deal to Brighton and Hove Albion before Graham Potter was brought in as the new head coach.
With N'Golo Kante and Jorginho's contracts at Chelsea expiring at the end of the season, there is a chance that the pair could depart.
The Blues were heavily linked with a move for Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez towards the end of the summer transfer window, and will no doubt return looking for a midfielder in the future.
This could open up the opportunity to bring Bellingham to the club, with the midfielder counting towards Chelsea's homegrown players if he were to arrive.
According to The Athletic, Chelsea are among the clubs that retain a strong interest in signing Bellingham.
Liverpool are said to be head of the list alongside Real Madrid, Man City, Man United and the Blues.
However, Dortmund will fight to keep their youngster despite the interest in the teenager.
“Jude is very happy at the club, he is very committed to us,” sporting director Sebastian Kehl recently told the press.
“Hopefully he can stay, next season and for a long time. We try to keep our best players. Jude is one of those and we try to keep them for as long as possible.
“But in the end, money is another aspect and England pays a lot more than Germany. We have to renew our philosophy every year.”
Senior sources at the club are resigned to losing him next summer, The Athletic continues to reveal, with him valued at €150 million or £131.6 million.
It remains to be seen as to whether any club will be willing to meet these demands, with Chelsea already showing that they are willing to spend big under the new owners.
Topics: Chelsea, Jude Bellingham, Football, Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers
Nick Emms