Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has aimed a dig at Manchester City as he discussed Jude Bellingham potential transfer destination, asking "why would you go to Man City?"
The Reds and City are both strongly linked with a move for the Borussia Dortmund star in a deal that could be worth over £100 million.
Murphy, who made 170 appearances for Liverpool, praised the Reds for competing with City for a number of seasons now, but believes there comes a time when you have to sign the "best in the class."
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Liverpool are reportedly leading the race to sign Bellingham, but Real Madrid and City are also pulling out all the stops to secure the 19-year-old.
Murphy told Lord Ping : "Jude Bellingham would be a phenomenal signing because there's absolutely no doubt he's a wonderful talent and he'll make the team better first and foremost. I think it would give everyone a boost, fans and other players alike in a time where it's needed because they've had a bad start.
"It's hard to be competitive with Man City because of their finances. But Liverpool have managed to do it for a long time now through good recruitment, through great tactics and having a good manager. There does come a time where you have to buy the best in class to try and compete.
"Now if you're going to spend £100million plus on a player, you want to make sure it's the right player. I think he's as safe a bet as you could get. He's that good. Now they did it with Van Dijk. They were convinced with Van Dijk, they didn't want to go anywhere else, they waited for him when it got delayed another window and they spent big money on it.
"They did the same with Allison. Every now and again you've got to go and get someone who is the best and he's going to be one of the best so I hope they do it. I really hope they do.
"I've been a Liverpool fan and all I ever dreamt about was playing for Liverpool. Why would you go to Man City when Liverpool has the tradition? I know that I'm saying it with tongue in cheek but if Madrid are in that's a whole different ball game. Because you're talking about one of the biggest clubs in the world, if not the biggest.
"He's obviously capable of settling into a new culture and learning new languages. So could Liverpool compete with Madrid? Does he want to come home after all these little factors? It would be an absolute statement. It would be huge for the club. If they can finance that, that would be a phenomenal signing."
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