Borussia Dortmund's in-demand midfielder Jude Bellingham could reportedly sign a new contract which includes a release clause.
The 19-year-old is set to become one of the most sought-after midfielders when the the summer transfer window opens, with a number of top European clubs said to be interested in his services.
Liverpool have been strongly linked with a move for Bellingham, and a recent report claims that their struggles during the 2022-23 campaign will not harm their chances of luring the Englishman to Anfield.
Fellow Premier League sides Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea are all said to be in the race for Bellingham's signature along with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
After nearly three years in Germany, Bellingham is believed to be keen to seek pastures new, but Dortmund want to keep hold of their star man for "as long as possible".
© Reuters
"Of course we're trying to keep Jude Bellingham at Borussia Dortmund as long as possible," BVB sporting director Sebastian Kehl told Ruhr Nachrichten.
"He's an incredibly important player who has shown once again this season how he identifies with this club and makes the team better.
Bellingham is under contract at Westfalenstadion until June 2025, but European football expert Andy Brassell has told talkSPORT that there is speculation in Germany that the midfielder could put pen to paper on a new deal which includes a release clause.
In response to Kehl's recent comments on Bellingham's future, Brassell said: "The other half of what Kehl said was: 'I am very much hoping to get Jude Bellingham to stay another year'.
"There has been speculation in Germany that they will offer him an enormous salary, around about the €15m-a-year mark, to get him to stay for an extra year – with a buyout clause in 2024, as well."
© Reuters
Brassell added: "I just wonder in the spot Liverpool are at the moment, if you were Jude Bellingham, say Liverpool don't qualify for the Champions League.
"If you're Jude maybe you think 'well, maybe I'll give them a year to sort it out and carry on playing Champions League, especially if things are going well and for a lot of money'.
"It can't be completely ruled out but clearly people in Germany love Bellingham so much."
Bellingham, who is said to be valued at €150m (£132m) by Dortmund, has developed into a key player and a leader with the German outfit, and has already made a total of 120 appearances in all competitions since joining from Birmingham City in 2020, scoring 20 goals and providing 24 assists.
Dortmund's No.22 is hoping to end the current campaign with a Bundesliga winners medal as the Black and Yellows continue to push Bayern Munich in the title race, only sitting behind the reigning champions at the summit on goal difference with 12 games remaining.
