Real Madrid are on the verge of completing a deal to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, according to reports, with personal terms almost agreed.
After weeks of intense speculation surrounding his future, it appears European champions Real Madrid have won the race to sign one of football's biggest talents.
Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City were all rumoured to be interested but on Wednesday afternoon at 1:53pm, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, a man who often gets these things right, posted a huge update.
He wrote: "Real Madrid are close to complete deal to sign Jude Bellingham, confirmed. Negotiations are progressing to the final stages. Personal terms are almost agreed — Juni Calafat, crucial again.
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Romano added: "New meeting has been scheduled to complete the agreement with Borussia Dortmund."
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If they manage to pull off a deal to sign Bellingham, then Los Blancos' midfield options will be strong, to say the least.
From the experienced heads of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, who have lifted five Champions League titles each, to the incredibly talented trio of Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni.
The former Birmingham City man will be amongst some of the world's best, but he won't come cheap. Dortmund are expected to demand more than £130 million for Bellingham, who has made 52 appearances for club and country this season.
So why Madrid? After assessing his options, the England international believes a switch to Spain is 'the best next step in his career', according to Spanish publication AS.
The report adds that Bellingham 'is preparing to inform Los Blancos of his decision' and that 'his mind is made up' to begin a new challenge in La Liga.
If he does join the ranks at Los Blancos, Bellingham will become the fifth British player to pull on the famous jersey, following in the footsteps of Steve McManaman, David Beckham, Michael Owen, Jonathan Woodgate and Gareth Bale.
Last month, both Rio Ferdinand and Peter Crouch agreed that Real Madrid was the best option for the teenager.
“If I’m him now, I probably go to Real Madrid. They’ve got a great blend of experience and young players," Ferdinand told BT Sport.
“You’ve got (Edoardo) Camavinga, (Federico) Valverde and (Aurelien) Tchouameni, three of the other best young midfielders in the world as well in that squad. They’re building for success over a good period of time.”
Crouch added: “If you’re Jude Bellingham, do you miss out on a year of Champions League football? I don’t think you do. Especially when you’ve got a host of clubs (to choose from) - Manchester City, Real Madrid…
“If he doesn’t go to Liverpool, there’s something about wearing that white of Real Madrid. Being an English player and playing there, I think he ends up being England captain if he goes and lifts trophies in the Champions League there.”
Thoughts on Bellingham to Real Madrid?
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Topics: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City, Manchester United
Jack Kenmare