Liverpool could yet sign Bellingham despite Real Madrid thrashing as Spanish club's concerns revealed

Liverpool could still sign Jude Bellingham this summer despite their calamitous Champions League defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday.

The Reds got off to a flyer at Anfield after Darwin Nunez brilliantly flicked the ball past Thibaut Courtois inside five minutes.

Mohamed Salah doubled their lead less than 10 minutes later, pouncing on the goalkeeper's mistake to send the fans into frenzy.

However, Vinicius Jr's quick fire brace proved to be the start of an almighty comeback which saw Jurgen Klopp's side succumb to a 5-2 defeat.

Supporters will need a miracle in the second leg at the Bernabeu if they are to progress to the quarter-finals.

The club have also endured a tumulus season domestically, languishing in eighth place in the Premier League, seven points adrift of the top four.

One of the few positives keeping fans' hopes alive is the potential addition of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.

The 19-year-old was identified as Klopp's priority target this summer amid a plague of injuries to his squad and an underperforming midfield.

Although they aren't alone in their pursuit, with the likes of Real Madrid also said to be interested in signing the Englishman.

Liverpool have advantage in race for Bellingham

Despite their humiliating defeat, Liverpool could still have the upper hand in signing Bellingham over Real Madrid, according to MARCA.

A report in the Spanish publication claims that Real will not be able to financially compete with Liverpool in an 'auction' for Bellingham with Klopp's side 'leading the race' for the midfielder.

Whilst it is expected that Bellingham will leave Dortmund this summer, Liverpool must also fend off interest from their Premier League rivals.

The teenager's performances at the World Cup earned him the attention of Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City.

Whilst The Telegraph report that Todd Boehly would be willing 'to move heaven and earth' to land the midfielder, despite spending £600million in the last two transfer windows.

Bellingham has four goals and four assists in 20 Bundesliga appearances this season, with any potential buyer likely to need to break the bank in order to secure his services.

Topics: Jude Bellingham, Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Premier League, Football, Transfers

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno