Former Birmingham boss Harry Redknapp says he has been told which team Liverpool target Jude Bellingham wants to be playing for next season.
The Borussia Dortmund star has been subject to intense transfer speculations throughout the year, assisted by his impressive performances for England at the 2022 World Cup.
The latest report, from Spanish outlet Marca, claims that Real Madrid are scheduling a trip to Germany in order to convince Bellingham to sign for him over Manchester City.
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Liverpool, meanwhile, cooled their interest in Bellingham several weeks ago, with The Times' Paul Joyce reporting that club chiefs decided against spending a large chunk of their summer budget to land the midfielder.
But while a move to the Reds appears to be off the table for this summer, it remains uncertain as to whether the 19-year-old will change clubs in 2023, or wait another year. Jurgen Klopp's side could return to the negotiating desk in such a scenario.
Now, Redknapp has given his verdict on where Bellingham could go.
Redknapp on Bellingham
Redknapp took charge of Birmingham - his last managerial role - for the final three games of the 2016/17 season.
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The Blues had started the season strongly under the management of Gary Rowett, but sacked him in favour of appointing Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola. The move didn't work out, and the club surprisingly slid towards the relegation zone until the Italian resigned.
Redknapp came in and kept them up with two wins in the last three games. He stayed on for the following season, but was sacked in September after a 3-1 defeat to Preston North End.
At that time, Bellingham was preparing to make his debut for Birmingham's U18 side at the age of just 14, meaning Redknapp will no doubt have been aware of the young talent.
And speaking to the Beyond the Pitch podcast, the 76-year-old says a 'very, very good source' close to Bellingham has told him where the midfielder wants to play next season.
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He said: "He's amazing you know, and I heard that he wants to go to Real Madrid. That's what I've heard from a very, very good source close to him.
"I've heard he wants to go to Real Madrid. Liverpool seem to have dropped out of the race, so that leaves Man City or Chelsea. But the rumour is he wants to go to Real Madrid."
Since Redknapp's comments, Spanish outlet AS have reported that Bellingham's 'mind is made up' over a move to Real, and that he is preparing to tell Los Blancos that he wants to sign for them this summer.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy / Action Images/Alan Walter / Action Plus Sports/Alamy Live NewsTopics: Jude Bellingham, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Transfers, Borussia Dortmund, Harry Redknapp