Liverpool are reportedly becoming increasingly confident that they will be able to secure the signature of Jude Bellingham during this summer's transfer window.
The 19-year-old's future remains the subject of much speculation, with many of the leading clubs in world football said to be determined to sign him from Borussia Dortmund.
Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid are thought to be the favourites for the England international, but Chelsea and Manchester United are also believed to be keen on his services.
According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool are 'growing in confidence' when it comes to a summer deal, with the Reds believing that they are at the head of the queue for the teenager.
However, the report claims that any move to Anfield is likely to depend on whether Jurgen Klopp's side can secure Champions League football for the 2023-24 campaign.
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A disappointing campaign has left Liverpool off the pace in terms of the Premier League title race, sitting some 21 points behind division leaders Arsenal.
However, the Reds have won four of their last five league matches, including the 7-0 success at home to Man United on Sunday, to rise into fifth position, just three points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur with a game in hand.
Liverpool will almost certainly have to finish in the top four to secure Champions League football for next season, as their other avenue will be incredibly difficult, with the Reds trailing 5-2 to Real Madrid ahead of the second leg of their last-16 clash in the European Cup.
Klopp is said to be determined to revamp his midfield this summer, and Bellingham has seemingly been identified as the club's leading target in that area of the field.
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The Englishman has been in strong form for Dortmund during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 10 goals and registering six assists in 32 appearances in all competitions.
However, he could not prevent BVB from being eliminated from the Champions League on Tuesday evening, with the German team suffering a 2-1 aggregate defeat to Chelsea in the round of 16.
Bellingham has a contract with his current side until June 2025, and according to 90min, Dortmund currently value him at €150m (£133m).
At this stage, Liverpool's main competition for the former Birmingham City youngster is believed to be coming from Real Madrid, who could lose both Luka Modric and Toni Kroos this summer.
Bellingham arrived at Dortmund from Birmingham in July 2020, and he has represented the Black and Yellows on 122 occasions in all competitions, contributing 20 goals an 24 assists in the process.
Matt Law
