LIVERPOOL have emerged as favourites to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund, according to reports.
The England star has drawn interest from all over Europe with his sensational displays in Germany.
Bellingham, 19, is a priority signing for Real Madrid – although Liverpool have taken steps to put themselves in pole position.
According to ESPN, Jurgen Klopp’s side are building a “close relationship”; with the midfielder’s representatives.
They add that Liverpool are working hard on a “framework”; for the deal.
Bellingham is under contract in Germany for another two-and-a-half years – although Dortmund are likely to let him go either in January or more likely next summer.
It is suggested that it could take a fee in the region of £130million to snap up the Three Lions ace.
Liverpool opted against making a big splash in the transfer market for a midfielder last summer – instead choosing to wait for Bellingham.
They decided to keep Naby Keita for the last year of his contract, while signing Arthur Melo on loan.
Spanish paper Marca claim that Real Madrid have received assurances that Bellingham wants to play for them.
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But the Spanish champions would not be able to afford the package that Liverpool are putting together.
Chelsea are also set to be in the mix, with Todd Boehly eager to sign Bellingham.
Despite the American’s spending power, however, the Blues find themselves behind in the race at present.
Manchester United have also been mentioned as Bellingham suitors in the past, but are not at the front of the queue.
