Jude Bellingham is set to reject the offer of a new contract when he meets Borussia Dortmund chiefs during the coming days.
Bellingham, 19, will have showdown talks with his existing employers amid speculation about his future. The England international is one of the most sought after players in Europe after impressing in the Champions League and at the recent World Cup in Qatar.
Dortmund want to keep hold of Bellingham but are expected to sell the former Birmingham City prospect in the summer if he rejects a new contract. That will trigger a four-club transfer race involving Liverpool, Real Madrid, Manchester City and Manchester United.
As reported by The Sun, Bellingham's contract snub will start an auction between these four clubs - starting at £100million. Dortmund want to make him their highest-paid player on £180,000-a-week - giving him a five-year deal - but the star is holding his nerve.
Bellingham is expected to receive offers in excess of £300,000-a-week from rival clubs if he rejects Dortmund's new contract. He has two-and-a-half years left on his existing deal.
Dortmund are aware of Bellingham's desire to play at a higher level. A Premier League club would offer him the chance to do that, but Real's success in Europe - winning five of the last nine Champions Leagues - is also appealing for any promising youngster.
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If Dortmund are to sell, it is believed they want 75 per cent of the total fee paid up front. They are also in no rush to cash in on the player because of the time left on his existing deal. Birmingham are also due a substantial cut for nurturing his talent.
Real and Liverpool are thought to be leading the race for Bellingham's signature, although it is too early to say where he'll end up. His dad Mark, who was a prolific non-league striker during his playing days, has reportedly held talks with the Reds over a deal.
Bellingham developed a close friendship with Liverpool starts Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold at the World Cup in Qatar, which could sway his decision. He will also want to continue playing in the Champions League.
Real, City and United are all poised to qualify for next season's edition, but Liverpool are enduring a difficult campaign under Jurgen Klopp. They are eighth in the Premier League table - 10 points behind United in fourth - with 19 fixtures remaining.
Steven Gerrard has joked he would fly to Germany to persuade Bellingham to sign for Liverpool. He told BT Sport: "All he needs to do is send his diary to me, when he's got a free day. I'll fly to Dortmund personally, take him out for a nice dinner and we'll talk about it."
Gerrard added: "I’m a huge fan of him. I think the way he comes across, the way he speaks about the game, his performances that I’ve seen every time he impresses me."
