CHELSEA owner Todd Boehly has made Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham his top transfer target as part of a major club revamp.
Bellingham, 19, has attracted interest from several suitors, such as Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool after some impressive performances at Dortmund.
The Reds recently emerged as favourites to land the ex-Birmingham star as Jurgen Klopp is desperate to strengthen in midfield.
According to the Evening Standard, however, Boehly is planning to steal a march on the Merseysiders as he has identified the England international as a priority signing.
The American supremo is implementing a new recruitment structure at the club with Bellingham topping the transfer list.
This comes after a chaotic summer that saw the Blues splashing over a whopping £250million on 11 players, with the new owner working as interim sporting director.
That led to former manager Thomas Tuchel getting sacked, shortly after other key figures left Stamford Bridge.
Those were ex-Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia, technical advisor Petr Cech and head of international scouting Scott McLachlan.
Boehly‘s changes are now starting to take shape with Joe Shields set to arrive from Southampton as co-director of the scouting department.
Christopher Vivell is also expected to follow as technical director after leaving RB Leipzig.
This comes after Kyle Macaulay was appointed as recruitment analyst following his arrival alongside new manager Graham Potter.
Meanwhile, Chelsea continue their search for a sporting director and head of football.
Boehly has stepped back from his role as interim sporting director but enjoyed working on summer deals and is expected to continue taking part in future transfer negotiations.