Liverpool are the ‘frontrunners’ to sign a £132million star who has gained plenty of interest after making a major impact at the World Cup, it has been claimed.
Liverpool are the ‘frontrunners’ to swoop for Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham after Jurgen Klopp has set his sights on bolstering his Anfield squad, CBS reporter Ben Jacobs has told GiveMeSport.
The Reds are sitting 15 points adrift of Premier League table-toppers Arsenal, but Klopp will be handed an opportunity to strengthen his options when the winter transfer window opens for business at the turn of the year.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update
Liverpool transfer news – Jude Bellingham
Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth recently told GiveMeSport that Bellingham is Liverpool’s ‘number one target’ and they are hopeful of striking a deal next summer.
Although Spanish sources reported earlier this week that the England international is not planning to return to his homeland yet and, instead, has set his sights on joining Real Madrid, it appears that is not the case.
That is because respected journalist Jacque Talbot has revealed Dortmund still believe Bellingham has not made a final decision over his future.
Liverpool chief Klopp has laughed off suggestions that he could sign the teenager during the early stages of 2023, although he has admitted that he is prepared to do business when the transfer window reopens.
Dortmund have set a £132million valuation for Bellingham as they prepare to hold talks over his future and look to discover whether he wants to seal his exit.
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
What has Ben Jacobs said about Bellingham?
Jacobs believes that Liverpool remain at the front of the queue to sign Bellingham, rather than Real Madrid, if he is to walk away from Dortmund.
The journalist understands that the Merseyside giants are prepared to stump up a more lucrative fee than the La Liga side.
Jacobs told GiveMeSport: “At the moment, I think Liverpool are the frontrunners for Jude Bellingham.
“Real Madrid have put in a lot of legwork as well and I think both of those two clubs have confidence.
“But the difference between the two is that Liverpool perhaps are prepared to pay a bit more than Real Madrid.”
Why is Bellingham on Liverpool’s list of targets?
There is uncertainty over a number of Liverpool’s central midfielders, with Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner’s respective contracts expiring next summer, while Arthur Melo’s loan spell from Juventus will also come to an end at the season’s climax.
That will leave Klopp with a huge void to fill and Bellingham showed during the World Cup that he would be an exciting addition.
According to Sofascore, the 19-year-old averaged 3.2 tackles and one interception per outing in Qatar, which emphasises that he makes his presence felt when his side are not in possession.
But the data shows that he shines with the ball at his feet as well, with him boasting a 90 per cent pass completion rate and registering one goal along with an assist.
Bellingham’s fine form on the biggest stage came after already finding the back of the net nine times for Dortmund this season, so Liverpool should prioritise making a move.
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