Liverpool are expected to be at the front of the queue in the fierce battle to sign Jude Bellingham next summer.
Sportsmail has previously reported how the Reds have identified the Borussia Dortmund and England star as the key piece in Jurgen Klopp’s planned midfield overhaul at the end of the season.
But they will face huge competition in the fight to lure Bellingham to Anfield, given both Manchester clubs and other European superpowers are desperate to secure his signature.
Liverpool are expected to be at the front of the queue to sign Jude Bellingham next summer
The 19-year-old continued to prove he is one of the brightest talents in Europe as he netted against Premier League champions Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Bellingham has been in the public eye ever since his £21million move to the Bundesliga side from Birmingham City only two years ago, a move that made him the most expensive 17-year-old in the history of football.
Klopp has already admitted that he is a big fan of the player and was interested in signing the midfielder this summer, but Dortmund were not willing to sell, having already let go of striker Erling Haaland to Manchester City.
However, it is believed that Bellingham could be sold in the summer of 2023 as Dortmund are ‘bracing’ themselves for interest, according to The Telegraph.
Jurgen Klopp (right) wanted to sign Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund in the summer
The Reds signed central midfielder Arthur Melo on loan from Juventus on deadline day in order to strengthen the team in the centre of the park, but it appears that move will only be considered as a stop-gap until they can sign Bellingham.
The Englishman is performing at a consistently high level in the Bundesliga as well as the Champions League, scoring two goals in two games in the European competition this season.
The value of a transfer for Bellingham is not yet known as clubs are reportedly trying to find out if he has a release clause in his contract with Dortmund or what their asking price would be.
The 19-year-old is expected to travel with England for the World Cup in Qatar this year and if he performs well there, then his value could go even higher.
Bellingham (right) has been in good form for Dortmund under manager Edin Terzic (left)
Ahead of the match against City, Bellingham was asked about what his future holds, but he was quick to shut down rumours as he does not want to be ‘disrespectful’ to his current side.
He said: ‘The club have done loads for me and made me feel very welcome since I first came and gave me the opportunities to develop even further.
‘To look past that and into the future would be disrespectful.’