Liverpool remain interested in signing Borussia Dortmund talisman Jude Bellingham this summer despite competition from Man City and Real Madrid, according to Sky in Germany.
Speaking on the Transfer Show, Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is “pushing, pushing, pushing” to bring the 19-year-old to England to add to his squad’s midfield.
Bellingham played for England at the World Cup in Qatar last year and was also nominated for the 2022 European Golden Boy award. He has been successful for Dortmund in Europe and the Bundesliga, scoring 10 goals in 23 games in all competitions.
Klopp had already hinted in January that his squad would undergo a major overhaul this summer, with Liverpool ninth in the Premier League and 10 points off the Champions League final, with the midfielder in high demand.
“We all think that Bellingham will leave this summer, and that there is no chance that Dortmund will keep him at this point,” said Plettenberg.
“But he has a contract without a release clause, so his price is very high. Dortmund want between €100m-€150m in the summer.
“They have three targets for him – Real Madrid, Man City and Liverpool. Liverpool is one of the favourites, and Jurgen Klopp is pushing him, pushing him, pushing him and saying he is the number 1 he wants to change.
“Klopp has not spoken to Bellingham personally, but the talks have been with people like Julian Ward. Now he just has to find out who is paying the money.”
Jude Bellingham could be on his way to Liverpool
Klopp has spoken to Bellingham in public several times, calling him “special” last month on the back of his World Cup performance.
Analysis: Liverpool can compete financially with Bellingham
Sky Sports News Chief Correspondent Kaveh Solhekol:
“Career wise, it probably makes sense for Bellingham to go to Real Madrid later in his career.
“It’s not a move he needs to make now. From a football point of view, I think Liverpool is the best option for him in the summer.
“People have asked if Liverpool can compete if they go into a competitive battle with Man City and Real Madrid, considering that they can pay more than Liverpool.
“I don’t think that’s the case. If you look at Man City recently, there have been many times when they’ve gone out of business where they felt the calculation was wrong.
“I don’t think Real Madrid have more money to spend in the transfer market than Liverpool. From everything we hear, Liverpool is the place to go in the summer.”
