Real Madrid have reportedly received encouragement to make an approach for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham during the summer transfer window.
Ever since making the switch from Birmingham City to Westfalenstadion in 2020, speculation has persisted over the Englishman's eventual next move.
On the back of his best spell for Dortmund and impressing for his country at the World Cup, the 19-year-old is expected to take on a new challenge later in 2023.
If reports are to be believed, Real and Liverpool are the standout candidates to win the race for Bellignham's signature ahead of next season, with any deal expected to top £100m.
The latter are known to be in the market for new central midfielders with an array of their current crop either out of contract or now failing to produce the kind of consistency which has kept them in the team in recent seasons.
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As such, it has been claimed that Jurgen Klopp is interested in signing each of Bellingham and Wolverhampton Wanderers' Matheus Nunes in a bid to improve his team's fortunes.
However, according to Diario AS, Real are regarded as the favourites to eventually get a deal over the line.
The report claims that Bellingham's preference is to move to La Liga, and his representatives have already informed Los Blancos of their intentions.
That is despite no formal transfer talks occurring between the relevant clubs, with Dortmund previously stressing that they will try to retain the services of their key man.
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Earlier this week, a report suggested that Dortmund officials were prepared to extend Bellingham's contract past the end of the 2024-25 season.
Nevertheless, it was indicated that would only become a possibility if it was deemed that Bellingham intended to spend the next phase of his career at the club, rather than one more year.
In 20 starts in the Bundesliga and Champions League this season, Bellingham has chipped in with seven goals and three assists.
With Dortmund yet to return to competitive action since the World Cup, Bellingham is currently preparing to feature in their first game back, which comes versus Augsburg on January 22.
Darren Plant
