Manchester City have not submitted an offer for Jude Bellingham - and sources at the club think claims from Spanish media to the contrary are a 'repeated tactic' ahead of their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.
City take on the Spanish giants in the first of two legs of their semi-final tie on Tuesday evening at the Bernabeu.
Pep Guardiola's side are looking to win the Champions League title for the first time in the club's history, having reached the final in 2021.
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They lost to Chelsea on that occasion, and are attempting to go one better this time around.
But Real, the reigning holders and 13-time winners of the trophy, are the first hurdle that stand in their way. And having brushed aside Liverpool and Chelsea on their way to the last four, their aim is to dispatch of a third English club this season.
But while focus is on the on-pitch battle, another talking point involving the two clubs is the potential destination of Borussia Dortmund star Bellingham.
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The 19-year-old has been in advanced talks with Real, according to BBC Sport, but City have also been linked with making a move.
Man City 'haven't submitted Bellingham bid'
According to The Athletic, via sources at the club, City are yet to bid for Bellingham or even offer personal terms to the midfielder.
And there is a thought among the same sources that the reports stating otherwise in Spain are a 'repeated tactic' that has been employed ahead of Tuesday's crunch fixture.
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A similar story from February 2020 - prior to a last 16 fixture between the two sides - is cited, claiming that then City winger Raheem Sterling was open to joining the Spanish giants.
Sterling did say in an interview with AS before the last 16 clash that he was 'open' to a new challenge in the future - but added that he was fully committed to City.
He said: "No-one knows what the future will hold. I am a player and I am always open to challenges but right now my future is at Manchester City."
Featured Image Credit: Alamy / AP Photo/Martin Meissner / Mark Cosgrove/News ImagesTopics: Manchester City, Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid, Champions League, Transfers