Despite Chelsea emerging as new suitors for Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, a reliable source has claimed that Liverpool are “at the front of the queue”.
A standout during England’s 3-3 draw with Germany on Monday night, Bellingham’s night was described in some quarters as a “coming of age”.
But in reality, the 19-year-old has already shown countless times in the Bundesliga and Champions League why he is arguably the most coveted talent on the market.
Expected to leave Dortmund next summer, Bellingham is already attracting a number of high-profile clubs, and is reported to be Liverpool’s main target for midfield.
There is a feeling that No. 22 would be perfect for Jurgen Klopp’s side, and vice versa, but there is also a growing feeling that they could face some serious competition in their pursuit.
The Telegraph’s Matt Law only added to this with a report that Chelsea owner Todd Boehly, who currently also serves as their sporting director, “has already tried to make inroads into the Bellingham camp”.
However, it is added that Liverpool and Real Madrid are “leading the way”, with contrasting claims in England and Spain on who the player’s likely choice is.
Chelsea are said to have been “undeterred by warnings that Real Madrid and Liverpool have been working on a potential deal for months”.
Those months have been spent, according to German outlet SPORT1, in talks with Bellingham’s father, Mark, and manager Mark Bennett.
But suggestions that there has been a verbal agreement between Liverpool and Bellingham are said to be false.
Earlier this week, The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell explained that the Anfield club are “seen as current favourites” in the bid to sign Bellingham, but added that Man United are expected to “try again next summer”.
Law speculates that Man City could also join the hunt, putting Liverpool up against possibly the most financially established clubs in world football.
There’s no denying that, in theory, Fenway Sports Group could finance a likely record deal for Bellingham, particularly given his recent outlay on Darwin Nunez.
But persuading the teenager to join could be based more on sporting matters, with the prospect of a key role in Klopp’s latest evolution certainly tempting for a player who idolized Steven Gerrard and is close to Jordan Henderson.
