Liverpool 'cautiously optimistic' of winning race for 'next Steven Gerrard', he would cost over £100m

Liverpool are “cautiously optimistic” that they will sign Borussia Dortmund and England star Jude Bellingham.

The 19-year-old was one of the stand-out performers at the World Cup, while his impressive Borussia Dortmund form has seen him become one of the most sought-after stars in world football.

Jurgen Klopp’s side, who need midfield reinforcements, are said to be prioritising a move for the teenager.

However, the Reds face stiff competition for Bellingham’s signature from the likes of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea.

Whoever does sign the player will have to pay a hefty price. Dortmund reportedly value the Birmingham-born star at around £131million.

Liverpool are “cautiously optimistic”

Despite Bellingham’s price and the interest in him from clubs across the continent, Liverpool are “cautiously optimistic” they will win the race for the star.

Journalist Ben Jacobs has told GiveMeSport that Liverpool believes they have done “everything in their power” to convince Bellingham to move to Merseyside.

Jacobs said: “I do think that Liverpool are leading the race for Bellingham.

“They’re going to have competition, but I think that there’s a cautious optimism on the Liverpool front that, because they started earlier than most and because they have put in a lot of legwork and they’ve been very hands-on, they believe that they’ve done all they can at this point in the race to make progress and land Jude Bellingham.

“Then we’ll wait and see how other suitors move and how that affects the situation.”

Bellingham, who was once labelled a “young Steven Gerrard” by former Reds player Jermain Pennant, is likely to move in the summer rather than the January window.