"He's ready..." - Spanish football expert drops major Bellingham update as Liverpool's chances rated

Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has given a potentially significant update on the future of Jude Bellingham, with Real Madrid and Liverpool among the clubs chasing the Borussia Dortmund star.

Both clubs are at the forefront of the battle to sign the England midfielder.

Last week, Real boss Carlo Ancelotti seemed to rule out signing Bellingham, stating that he is happy with his current midfield.

He said: "Bellingham has shown at the World Cup that he is a great midfielder, but so have others. Enzo Fernandez has played very well. Gavi and Pedri as well.

"Bellingham is one of those very good midfielders, but I'll stick with the ones we have."

Klopp, meanwhile, has praised Bellingham on more than one occasion. The player's father reportedly favours a move to Liverpool for his son over other clubs.

But there have been concerns over whether Liverpool could match other clubs' offers financially, and The Sun reported last week that Dortmund want £100 million up front for one of their star assets.

The Reds' midfield struggles have been brought into even sharper focus in recent weeks, and signing Bellingham would be a major statement of intent.

Balague has now given a new update on the status of any move.

Guillem Balague says Bellingham is 'ready' for Real Madrid

Speaking as part of ITV's coverage of Sunday's La Liga clash between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, Balague was asked about the future of Bellingham.

He replied: "[Real] are favourites, quite clearly. Borussia Dortmund have to have a conversation with the player, and with his dad, who is key to the solution of this situation. They've always been very aware about where to place him, and where to place him next.

"He is ready for Real Madrid. Real Madrid are ready for him.

"The price is about €100 million, plus €40 million depending on certain bonuses. Real Madrid are saying, 'Yeah, not a problem'. But we know that there are other clubs that want him.

"I do think Real Madrid are favourites, and as Gaizka [Mendieta, fellow pundit and ex-Barcelona star] said, it fits what Real Madrid are doing, and what Jude is doing next. Remember, he's only 19."