According to The Athletic, Manchester United have made Jude Bellingham their No.1 target, with Premier League rivals Liverpool also interested.
What’s the story?
Well, it was said that Jürgen Klopp is so desperate to sign the £25m man, that he has become personally invested in the transfer pursuit.
Now, it seems the Reds will face fierce competition from Erik ten Hag and Manchester United.
The Athletic believe the Red Devils held talks with Bellingham before he swapped Birmingham for Borussia Dortmund, and he currently sits atop their list of targets.
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Liverpool will also have to fend off interest from Real Madrid, who are keen to sign the 18-year-old as a replacement for Luka Modric.
However, it seems any deal for Bellingham will have to wait until 2023, as the teenager has already admitted that he “will be” at Borussia Dortmund next season.
In 44 appearances last season, Bellingham scored six goals, while also providing 14 assists.
Liverpool cannot lose out to Manchester United
In our view, Klopp cannot afford to let Ten Hag lure Bellingham to Old Trafford.
The England international looks capable of becoming the best in his position soon, and we expect him to dominate at the highest level for at least the next decade.
Should Liverpool miss out on him in 2023, they may not get another chance to sign him for years.
In truth, the Reds should already be laying down the foundations for a move now, as we expect there to be a very long queue for Bellingham’s signature next summer.
It would be painful enough for Liverpool to see Bellingham end up at Real Madrid, but if a bitter rival in Manchester United beat them to his services, it would be even tougher to take.
Whatever happens, we expect some significant bids to be made for the Borussia Dortmund gem next summer.
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