It is, or was, one of football’s worst kept secrets that Liverpool are huge admirers of Jude Bellingham, and are hoping to bring him to Anfield soon.
Bild in Germany believe Jürgen Klopp held a meeting with Fenway Sports Group (FSG) about the England international, while the German has also publicly praised the Borussia Dortmund No.22 in the past.
However, the financial juggernauts of football in Manchester City, Chelsea and Real Madrid are also involved, with James Pearce of The Athletic suggesting that Liverpool may not be able to keep up with the figures involved.
Now, a rumour from Anfield suggests Liverpool are starting to give up on Bellingham.
Why Liverpool are giving up on Bellingham
Well, Liverpool have now started to complete the groundwork on a deal to sign Declan Rice from West Ham, according to Simon Phillips.
David Moyes has previously slapped a £150m price tag on the England international, so it is highly unlikely that Liverpool will be signing both him and Bellingham, with Borussia Dortmund also valuing their midfield maestro at €150m (£129m).
Rice will be expensive, although the difference here is that Manchester City and Real Madrid are not pursuing his signature, so perhaps the West Ham No.41 will be a more realistic target in comparison to Bellingham.
Liverpool are also looking at signing Konrad Laimer from RB Leipzig, according to Bild.
The Austria international becomes a free agent in July, and Christian Falk believes the Reds have already made contact over a deal for 2023.
Liverpool right to move on from Bellingham
It may sound pessimistic, but if Liverpool really are giving up hope of signing Bellingham, it is a sensible decision.
According to Bild, Chelsea are prepared to pay the £129m asking price, while Todd Boehly is also happy to commit to giving him a weekly salary of £326,923-a-week.
That represents a massive financial package, and we feel Liverpool are much better off focusing their efforts on Rice, while also moving to add one or two less expensive midfield options, as Klopp needs quantity as well as quantity.
Of course, Rice will not come cheap, but he will have just 12 months remaining on his contract at West Ham when the current campaign ends, and the competition for his signature is less intense.
Whatever happens, it seems Liverpool are going to make at least one significant midfield addition in 2023.
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