"I heard..." - German journalist leaks Bellingham's transfer 'plan' with shock decision on the cards

Jude Bellingham is considering staying at Borussia Dortmund for another season, according to German journalist Christian Falk.

Bellingham, 19, is one of the most in-demand players in world football, with a number of top clubs keen to sign the England international this summer.

Real Madrid and Liverpool are believed to be at the front of the queue to sign the midfielder, who has scored 10 goals and provided six assists in all competitions for Dortmund this season.

Several other clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, have also been linked with Bellingham but reports earlier this season claimed that Liverpool was player's preferred destination.

However, the Merseyside club's struggles this season could affect their chances of signing the midfielder, with Jurgen Klopp's side currently 10^th in the Premier League and at risk of failing to qualify for next season's Champions League.

Dortmund, meanwhile, haven't given up hope of convincing Bellingham to stay.

The Bundesliga club are reportedly preparing a contract offer to make him the highest-paid player in the history of the club.

Could Bellingham stay at Borussia Dortmund?

Bellingham is under contract with Dortmund until 2025 and Falk claims the midfielder could remain at Westfalenstadion next season, particularly if Liverpool fail to qualify for the Champions League.

"The Premier League remains the first target for Jude Bellingham," Falk told CaughtOffside.

"I've always said Liverpool would be his preferred target but, of course, everyone knows that they're not doing too well at the moment.

"It's also a hope for Dortmund still that, if Liverpool aren't playing in Europe, there's the possibility of extending Bellingham's stay by a year.

"Dortmund has a good chance of winning the Bundesliga, it's very close. So there could be a chance that Bellingham waits for Liverpool.

"He seems very clear in his plans. I heard that, before Enzo Fernandez's move to London, Bellingham was looking at what was going on at Chelsea. Chelsea were interested but Bellingham saw there wasn’t a clear plan at the club, so there wasn't a massive amount of interest in going there.

"Newcastle were interested, that's for sure, but they're not in the range of clubs Bellingham's seriously considering joining in the summer, despite their good form this term.

"If he's going to leave Dortmund, it will be for a top club, so he's still keeping an eye on circumstances at Liverpool."