Liverpool have been told they will not be given any "gifts" by Borussia Dortmund in their pursuit of Jude Bellingham.
Bellingham has long been a preferred target for the Reds as they look to reshape their midfield, although they face strong competition for the 19-year-old's signature with Real Madrid, Manchester City and Chelsea also interested.
Dortmund have a strong relationship with Liverpool partly due to their former boss Jurgen Klopp having been in charge at Anfield since October 2015, which has been acknowledged by their managing director Carsten Cramer.
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But the Reds have been told they will not be given any special favours should they make concrete their interest in Bellingham.
“We have a high sympathy for Liverpool for sure," said Cramer. "We are still in a good relationship with Jurgen and many others at Liverpool, so for me, it's my preferred club in the EPL as well.
"But don't expect that we will make gifts to Liverpool."
Bellingham is expected to be given a price tag of at least £100million, a valuation which could increase further should he continue his impressive performances with England at the World Cup.
Dortmund, though, are hopeful of keeping hold of the midfielder for as long as possible.
“Maybe there is a success existing between Jude Bellingham and (England’s) success in the World Cup,” Cramer told Vietnam News, with Dortmund on tour in the region.
“He (Jude) has a contract. I'm a sales person regarding commercial business, but not regarding the player's business. We are happy to have him on board 100% and the longer Jude will play for us, the better it will be.”
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