Gareth Southgate admits that he has been blown away by Liverpool target Jude Bellingham.
Speaking at his press conference, which was covered by TalkSPORT, the England boss talked up the Liverpool target – amid reports that Jurgen Klopp’s side are plotting a move.
EuroSport suggest that Bellingham is on Liverpool’s wishlist as they seek a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum.
The teenager’s talents are, perhaps, not as well known as they should be in England – as he is currently playing for Borussia Dortmund in Germany.
But Southgate has suggested it is only a matter of time before his talent shines through.
“Jude is phenomenal,” the Three Lions manager said, after naming Bellingham as part of his Euro 2020 squad.
“Just in training in the last couple of days, to have a 17-year-old, who wants to compete with senior players, not only has the technique, but the competitiveness and maturity… he’s a hugely exciting player.
“He’s going to be an important player for England. We’re not just taking him for the experience.
“The experience is going to be enormous for him and for future England managers because I don’t see anything in his character that means he won’t succeed.”
Exciting signing
Southgate’s words just serve to re-affirm what a wonderful signing Bellingham would be for Liverpool, if they could pull off the swoop.
The Reds may be hoping that the 17-year-old doesn’t explode on to the scene over the summer, as if he does perform on the international stage his value could sky-rocket.
That could take him out of Liverpool’s price-range, as Klopp’s side don’t appear to have huge amounts of money to spend.
But, as a replacement for Wijanldum, there appear to be few better options than Bellingham.
And the links should excite supporters of Merseyside club at this stage.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
