"Sources close to the club..." - Ornstein drops massively exciting Bellingham news for Liverpool fans

Liverpool have received a major boost in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.

Liverpool have made Bellingham their No 1 target in the summer transfer window but are set to have stiff competition for his signature.

Real Madrid, Manchester City and Manchester United have also been linked with the England international.

Bellingham, 19, has become one of the most in-demand players in European football after continuing to impress for Dortmund.

He has scored 20 goals in 119 games for the German club since joining from Birmingham City in 2020.

Bellingham has particularly impressed this season, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists in all competitions.

Dortmund are understandably keen to keep Bellingham, who is under contract with the club until 2025.

But there is an expectation he will move on this summer, with a return to the Premier League looking likely.

Liverpool's 'deal to lose'

The Athletic's Mario Cortegana and David Ornstein claim that Liverpool are favourites to sign Bellingham despite their struggles this season.

Jurgen Klopp's side are currently eighth in the Premier League and are at real risk of failing to qualify for next season's Champions League.

They are already out of both domestic cup competitions and are also facing elimination from the Champions League after a humiliating 5-2 defeat in the first leg of their round of 16 tie against one of their rivals for Bellingham's signature, Real Madrid.

But despite that loss, Liverpool remain in a promising position to sign the midfielder.

"Bellingham is a huge admirer of Klopp and Liverpool, and several sources have insisted he wouldn't necessarily be put off by the club's recent blip," read The Athletic report.

Real Madrid have 'almost no chance' of signing Bellingham

Liverpool's chances are boosted by claims that Real Madrid are unlikely to able to afford Dortmund's asking price for Bellingham.

The German club are said to be seeking around €150m (£132m) for the England international, who is also likely to demand a high wage.

"Sources close to the club insist they have almost no chance of doing the deal because of the financials; they gave out a similar message last year when they felt Erling Haaland was no longer achievable," added the report.

"Real insist they have a number — which is much lower than the €150million ballpark Dortmund want — that they won't go past for this deal."

Manchester United and Manchester City have also been linked with the midfielder.

But the report claims that "some involved in the Bellingham pursuit" feel it is now "Liverpool's deal to lose".