"We'd be stupid not to..." - Klopp confirms Liverpool's interest in player as transfer denial made

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has confirmed his interest in signing Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham following his breakout performances at the Qatar World Cup.

Bellingham has been continually linked with the Reds, and Klopp has now confirmed rumours that the club are interested in his services.

They are not alone though. Fourteen-time Champions League winners Real Madrid and current Premier League champions Manchester City have also been linked with the 19-year-old. Therefore, Liverpool will have to be proactive in order to lure the youngster to Anfield.

However, Borussia Dortmund appear to be resistant to selling Bellingham before the summer.

What did Jurgen Klopp say?

In a recent interview, Klopp confirmed that the England international is on their radar, claiming he'd be "stupid not to". However, he denied rumours that he had spoken with the player's parents.

"These things are not possible because he is under contract with Borussia Dortmund," he said in an interview with SportBILD. "That is not possible without their consent. So it's not true."

Klopp continued: "Jude is a great player who we are familiar with, of course. We’d be stupid not to have him on our radar. But there’s nothing more to say at the moment."

Bellingham shone on the world stage in Qatar, earning him a stellar reputation across the punditry world.

The midfielder ranked highest for shot creating actions, tackles won, blocks, dribbles completed, and tackles and interceptions within the entire England side.

However, others have questioned whether Liverpool are in a position to sign Bellingham or if he is the sort of player the club need.

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has suggested that the player could be out of reach.

"People keep talking about Jude Bellingham and rightly so, he's going to be one of the best young players in world football, but if Liverpool don't get top four that'll be a problem," he said on Sky Sports following Liverpool's defeat to Brentford.

"But for me, as important as a Bellingham-type, would be a Wijnaldum-type. Someone who, alongside a Fabinho, can actually protect the back four and stop players running through to the defence," he added.

Only time will tell whether Bellingham will be joining new signing Cody Gakpo in Merseyside, or if the youngster will be tempted elsewhere.

Topics: Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Premier League

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno