"His top choice..." - Journalist claims Liverpool target's father wants Anfield move

A prominent transfer journalist has claimed that the 'top choice' of the father of Jude Bellingham would likely be a move to Liverpool over other clubs.

Speculation surrounding Bellingham's future has reached new heights in recent months, with the Borussia Dortmund star linked with many of Europe's elite.

Amongst the clubs pursuing him are Liverpool, who have been tracking the midfielder since his emergence into the Birmingham City senior squad in 2019.

He made his Championship debut for the Blues at the age of just 16, and moved to Dortmund for a £22 million fee the following summer.

Since then, Bellingham has developed into one of the top midfielders in Germany, is considered one of Dortmund's leaders at 19 years of age, and has represented England at two major tournaments.

His age, ability and potential growth all suit Liverpool, who are looking to bolster their midfield which has suffered from injury issues this season. The contracts of several senior Reds players also expire this summer, including Naby Keita and James Milner.

A new report from the Daily Mail on Wednesday claimed that Jurgen Klopp's side could now sign Bellingham for a fee of just £60 million, which would no doubt be of great appeal to the Reds hierarchy.

And transfer journalist Ben Jacobs has given the Anfield club's fans another big boost.

Transfer journalist drops Bellingham next club update

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jacobs explained that Liverpool will likely be the 'top choice' of Bellingham's father, should the midfielder decide to move clubs.

Mark Bellingham, who was a regular goalscorer at non-league level during his own playing career, has reportedly held talks with Liverpool representatives on a number of occasions.

Jacobs explained: "The wooing of Jude Bellingham [by Liverpool] isn't only on football terms. It's about convincing his family, and that's where Liverpool have put in the most work.

"And if it was up to Bellingham's father, for example, I think that his top choice would be Liverpool.

"But Bellingham is going to score this a bit more dispassionately, much like Erling Haaland did when he joined Manchester City, and therefore he will look at other aspects, even stuff away from football."

Bellingham's current Dortmund contract expires in 2025, and he has also attracted interest from Manchester United, Manchester City and Real Madrid, amongst others.