"Let's be serious..." - Newcastle striker Callum Wilson reveals Jude Bellingham to Liverpool theory

Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson revealed why he still believes Jude Bellingham will move to Liverpool.

Bellingham is one of the most sought-after players in world football having attracted attention from the likes of Manchester City, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

Last week it emerged that Liverpool, who had previously cited the teenager as their number one transfer target, had pulled out of the race for the player.

The Reds have had a tumultuous season, plagued by poor form and injury. The Merseyside club are languishing in eighth in the Premier League, some nine points adrift of the Champions League spots, and in turn, Jurgen Klopp has been tipped to oversee a massive squad rebuild this summer.

And while Liverpool are huge admirers of Bellingham, they reportedly do not have the financial resources to sign the 19-year-old along with their other targets.

Callum Wilson on Jude Bellingham situation

Speaking on the Footballer’s Football Podcast, Newcastle United forward Wilson claimed Liverpool should still be confident of luring Bellingham.

The 31-year-old said: “Let’s be serious, they’re saying they are pulling out [of signing Bellingham] because they want the fee to reduce. This is football politics. Standard.

“Act like you’re not interested and then all of a sudden it’s like no, no, no, we want you.”

Wilson added that Liverpool should be confident of signing Bellingham irrespective of the opposition.

“Liverpool are a top football club so you should be optimistic about getting anyone in the door at the end of the day,” he said.

However, his co-host Michail Antonio had another theory.

The West Ham forward said: “I’ll be honest, I feel they’re pulling out because they don’t feel like they’re gonna get him anyway.

“I don’t think they’re pulling out because of wages; I don’t think they’re pulling out because of price.

“They’re pulling out because they believe that – [or] they’ve probably heard something – and they know that he’s going somewhere else.”

Topics: Football, Liverpool, Transfers, Jude Bellingham, Callum Wilson, Michail Antonio

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.