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20th March 2023
04:30pm GMT
Liverpool look set to miss out on signing Jude Bellingham this summer, despite the midfielder being their number one target.
Bellingham is expected to leave Borussia Dortmund in the summer and has been linked with moves to Anfield, Manchester City and Real Madrid.
But according to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Bellingham to Liverpool is becoming increasingly unlikely.
The midfielder has no active release clause - and still has three years left - in his contract, meaning the German side can sell him for whatever price they feel is appropriate.
Reports in Spain have previously suggested that they may ask for as much as £140m for the England international.
Given their lack of financial muscle in comparison to their competitors for his signature, Liverpool aren't prepared to enter a bidding war against Man City or Madrid, who are in stronger positions both on and off the pitch since the duo are all-but confirmed to offer him Champions League football.
Despite their disadvantage in the race to sign the midfielder, Jürgen Klopp has previously shown his appreciation for the youngster.
"Imagine someone saw him for the first time, how old would they think he is? Nobody would get even close. He plays so mature, like a 28-year-old," he said on Boxing Day.
"The things he can do already are difficult to learn, and the things he has to improve are easy to lean."
Bellingham's stock continued to rise over the weekend after playing a starring role in a 6-1 win against Koln to keep Dortmund at the top of the Bundesliga and on course for a league title in 11 years.
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