Liverpool have reportedly cooled their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham this summer and will look towards other targets.
The Times' Paul Joyce has claimed that the Reds are drawing up a list of alternative targets after accepting that they will not be bringing the midfielder to Anfield this summer.
It is reported that the club no longer considers spending 'a huge chunk of this summer's funds [on] one player' as the best strategy to adopt going forward, and that Bellingham's overall price tag would ultimately be heavily increased by wages.
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It is also understood that Bellingham was 'enamoured' by the scale of the Reds' interest in him as they look to rebuild their midfield department.
The report follows an earlier claim from Caught Offside, supported by various sources within Germany, that Liverpool had submitted an £84 million bid to Dortmund for Bellingham's services.
Alongside claims of a bid, it was reported that Liverpool had not yet heard back from Dortmund - and it is unclear whether any bid has directly or indirectly led to the club's new stance over Bellingham.
Who will Liverpool target in midfield?
With reports that Bellingham will not be moving to Anfield this summer, it could open the door for Real Madrid, who have also been credited with a long-term interest in the player, to swoop in and sign him instead.
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For Liverpool, however, Jurgen Klopp and his side will likely now need to look elsewhere.
The Times claim that Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount will likely be 'the centre of attention' should he decide to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer.
The England international's current deal expires in the summer of 2024, and he is yet to commit to fresh terms.
Chelsea have been unsuccessful thus far in their attempts to convince Mount to stay at Stamford Bridge, and esteemed transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano gave an update last month on the likelihood of the 24-year-old staying put.
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He explained on his YouTube channel: "What I can tell you is that negotiations will resume at the end of the season, that is the idea. So, May, June. But from what I understand, the new coach could change the situation, this is possible.
"For Mount, the new coach is going to be important. Let's see how the conversation will go at the end of the season. At the moment it's still on standby between Mason Mount and Chelsea, with Liverpool really interested in the English midfielder."
Featured Image Credit: Alamy / REUTERS/Phil NobleTopics: Liverpool, Premier League, Transfers