Chelsea expect Liverpool to beat them to "dream" signing after previous Lampard snub

Chelsea are expecting to be beaten to the signing of Jude Bellingham by Liverpool, according to a fresh report.

The 19-year-old has starred for Borussia Dortmund this term, while his performances for England at the World Cup have further justified his position as the most sought-after midfielder in the world.

On the continent, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are both interested in signing the teenager, while he has also been linked to the richest Premier League sides, including Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool.

However, Graham Potter’s side believe Liverpool are the most likely club to sign Bellingham in the summer.

Liverpool most likely to sign Bellingham

A fresh Athletic report has reiterated that Chelsea and Liverpool are among the clubs interested in Bellingham.

Indeed while the publication claims the Blues have not given up on signing the Birmingham-born star, there is a feeling within the club that Liverpool are favourites to acquire the player, once described as “elite” by former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton.

Meanwhile, a number of reports have suggested that the Blues are in pole position to sign another star from Qatar - Enzo Fernandez.

The Athletic also claims that suggestions a deal has already been agreed with Benfica are premature, though talks are ongoing between the two parties.

Chelsea previously snubbed by Bellingham

Chelsea failed to sign Bellingham in 2020 when the player was just 16 after then-manager Frank Lampard was unable to convince the youngster of the merits of a Chelsea move.

Former Birmingham chief Dong Ren told The Times last week: “He went to Stamford Bridge to have a meeting with Chelsea. He met with [former director] Marina Granovskaia in person.

“They had a meeting organised by [then manager] Frank Lampard. He told him his plan for him but he didn’t convince him.

“Just before the final three games of the season, he decided to go to Dortmund.”