Real Madrid repeat Martin Odegaard tactic to deny Liverpool again in transfer market with Jude Bellingham raid

Real Madrid are reportedly closing in on the signing of Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund - and they appear to have repeated a previous tactic to beat Liverpool to the deal.

Fabrizio Romano claimed on Wednesday afternoon that Bellingham is now close to joining the Spanish giants, with negotiations heading into the final stages.

Personal terms are said to be 'almost agreed', with Real set to meet with Dortmund again to finalise the deal.

If completed, the deal will end months of speculation over Bellingham's long-term future, with Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and PSG, amongst others, all credited with an interest in signing the midfield star.

The 19-year-old signed for Dortmund in the summer of 2020 from Championship side Birmingham, and quickly became a key part of their side.

With World Cup experience now under his belt and over 125 appearances for his club side, Bellingham could be the signing that takes Real to the next level.

And according to reports, they turned to a tactic previously utilised to sign Martin Odegaard to convince the England star to make the Bernabeu his next destination.

Real 'repeat Martin Odegaard tactic'

Romano claims that Real chief scout Juni Calafat was 'crucial' in negotiating personal terms with Bellingham.

Calafat has a strong track record when it comes to attracting elite players to the Bernabeu. He orchestrated the signings of Brazil stars Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, as well as convincing Federico Valverde to join Real from Uruguayan side Penarol for a fee of just €5 million.

That is according to ESPN, who also claim that the Spaniard did likewise with young midfielder Odegaard.

The Norwegian signed for the Spanish giants in 2015, at the age of 16, from Norwegian side Stromsgodset. He was rated as one of football's top wonderkids at the time, and a reported fee of €3 million appeared to be incredible value.

But in six years at Real, Odegaard failed to live up to those predictions, and it took a move to Arsenal and working under the management of Mikel Arteta to unleash the elite ability he shows on a consistent basis in the Premier League.

He made just 11 appearances for Los Blancos, however, despite impressive loan spells at Vitesse, Real Sociedad and latterly Arsenal.

However, they did still make a healthy profit on the midfielder, with his move to the Emirates Stadium costing the Gunners an initial fee of €35 million plus add-ons.