Liverpool 'still leading the race for Jude Bellingham'

Liverpool are reportedly still firmly at the head of the queue for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.

The 19-year-old is widely expected to leave BVB during the upcoming market, with Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid thought to be the three favourites for the midfielder.

A recent report claimed that Manchester United were also in the running for the England international, with the Red Devils looking to bring in a big-money central midfielder this summer.

Real Madrid are believed to have recently made contact with Bellingham's camp to discuss a switch to Bernabeu during the upcoming market, with Carlo Ancelotti's side determined to win the race for his signature.

Liverpool's struggles during the 2022-23 campaign had led to claims that the Reds could struggle to tempt the former Birmingham City youngster to Anfield later this year.

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However, according to Football Insider, Liverpool remain Bellingham's first-choice destination during the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Englishman has still not decided whether he will be leaving BVB in the upcoming market, with the midfielder preparing to meet with the German club during the international break.

Dortmund allegedly want in excess of £130m for the youngster, and Liverpool are said to be prepared to meet the asking price in order to win the race for his services.

Bellingham is said to favour a move to Anfield over any other destination, even if Jurgen Klopp's side fail to qualify for the 2023-24 Champions League.

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The midfielder has made 34 appearances for Dortmund in all competitions during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 10 goals and registering six assists.

Bellingham has four goals and four assists in 24 Bundesliga outings this term, while he netted four goals and registered one assist in seven appearances in the Champions League.

The youngster has more than two years left to run on his contract at BVB, but the club are thought to be prepared to make him the highest-paid player in their history to keep hold of him.

Liverpool were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid last week, meaning that they will need to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League table in order to qualify for next season's European Cup.

Klopp's side are currently sixth in the division, seven points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur with two games in hand on the North London club.