Chelsea have been told they hold a key advantage over Liverpool in the transfer race to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund next summer.
The Blues are set to face competition from the Reds, Manchester City and Real Madrid as Dortmund prepare themselves for a flurry of huge offers for their prized asset. Bellingham is considered to be one of the most talented youngsters in the world and could demand a huge transfer fee which would break Jack Grealish's £100million move to City which is the current British record.
Madrid are thought to be leading the race for the 19-year-old having entered 'advanced talks' over a move with club president Florentino Perez ready to pay an £87million fee. Dortmund had slapped a price tag of £131million on the England international over the summer transfer window but could be forced to sell next summer despite Bellingham's contract running until 2026.
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Liverpool find themselves in a difficult situation at present after picking up just two wins from their opening eight Premier League fixtures, currently sat 10th in the table and six points adrift of the top four. Former Reds midfielder Jamie Redknapp has highlighted a key advantage both Chelsea and City hold against Liverpool in the race for Bellingham's signature after Jurgen Klopp's side suffered another disappointing result.
Speaking on SkySports following the Reds' 3-2 defeat against Arsenal on Sunday, Redknapp said: "The dream or the hope for Liverpool fans and I’m sure Jurgen Klopp is the same, to get Jude Bellingham as a midfield player for everyone because he’s the best midfield player in the country. He is someone who can completely change that midfield area but if you don’t make top four, he’s not coming to Liverpool and that’s the dilemma they have. They’ve been in worse positions than before so they will get better."
Bellingham's talent is unquestionable and he will want to take the next step up into a team that can challenge for trophies consistently, as well as featuring in the Champions League every year. Should Liverpool's poor form continue throughout the season and they miss out on a top four spot at the expense of Chelsea and City, it will surely rule them out of the running for the 19-year-old despite being willing to match Dortmund's asking price due to their need for a new midfielder after injury issues and an ageing squad.
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