Liverpool are in pole position to beat Chelsea to the signing of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, according to reports.
Bellingham has been on the shortlist of top European clubs ever since he broke through into the Birmingham City first team at the age of just 16.
Despite major interest from Man United, Dortmund won the initial race for his services. The central midfielder moved to Germany in 2020, for a fee of around £25 million.
Over two years on, Europe's elite are once again circling. But while Liverpool have been heavily linked with the 19-year-old England international, the likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea, and United again are also said to be keen on signing him.
Advert
The Daily Mail reported last month that Real saw Bellingham as the long-term successor to Luka Modric, and were 'desperate' to bring him to the Bernabeu.
But Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool's owners, FSG, have been planning for the potential signing of the 19-year-old, with German outlet Bild claiming they have set €100m (£86m) aside to bring the player to Anfield.
Despite this, the same report claims that Dortmund would want closer to £130m, because of the interest shown by other clubs.
New reports, however, suggests that Liverpool may have advanced their position in the race to sign Bellingham.
Jude Bellingham to Liverpool?
ESPN report that, as per 'multiple sources', Liverpool are now back in pole position in their chase for the England international.
Advert
It is said that the main reason behind this is that the Reds are forming a 'close relationship' with the player's camp.
Furthermore, Bellingham could leave Dortmund in January. However, the only stumbling block for the Reds may be the cost, which has now reportedly risen to €150m.
The issue Liverpool likely have is that this figure is higher than the previously reported amount that they were willing to pay for the 19-year-old. But this is an opportunity to sign one of the top wonderkids on the planet, and one Liverpool may not be able to resist.
Advert
With the World Cup taking place this month, signing the player in January would be ideal for Klopp and his side as they enter a busy fixture schedule from Boxing Day until the end of the season.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Liverpool, Chelsea, Jurgen Klopp, Graham Potter, Jude Bellingham, Premier League