With Real Madrid worried about Liverpool stealing target, Ancelotti now eyeing £16m alternative

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Liverpool and Real Madrid are both said to be interested in signing Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.

According to Marca, the Spanish giants are even believed to be worried about Liverpool in the battle for the England international’s signature.

Now, an interesting update has emerged, which suggests Carlo Ancelotti is already preparing to miss out on Bellingham to Jürgen Klopp.

What’s the story?

Well, according to Record in Portugal, Real Madrid are now interested in signing Enzo Fernandez from Benfica.

The Portuguese news outlet interestingly states that the Argentina international is being viewed as an alternative to Bellingham by those at the Santiago Bernabeu, which could suggest they are expecting to lose out to Liverpool.

According to ESPN, the Reds are favourites to sign the 19-year-old sensation, with Chelsea also interested in bringing the teenager back to England.

Bellingham left these shores back in 2020 when swapping Birmingham for Borussia Dortmund in a £25m deal.

Since then, the midfield maestro has made 112 appearances for the German giants, including 21 outings in the Champions League, while also scoring for England at the World Cup and captaining Borussia Dortmund, all before the end of his teenage years.

Real Madrid interest in Enzo Fernandez bodes well for Liverpool

Real Madrid rarely seem bothered about looking at backup options, as they usually land their primary targets.

Therefore, the fact they have shortlisted Fernandez – who Benfica paid €18m (£16m) for – suggests they are genuinely wary of Liverpool’s power in the race for Bellingham.

In truth, the Argentina international, who scored in the 2-0 win over Mexico on Saturday, would be a superb signing by Ancelotti, as the 21-year-old has already taken Portugal and the Champions League by storm with Benfica.

Having said that, Fernandez has nothing on Bellingham, who could become a Ballon d’Or winner one day, so Real Madrid would surely be devastated to lose out on him to Liverpool.