Manchester City are said to be leading the race to sign Jude Bellingham, according to reports, after Liverpool cooled their interest.
The Reds had earmarked the Borussia Dortmund midfielder as their primary target for the summer ahead of a busy period for Jurgen Klopp's side. However, earlier this week the six-time Champions League winners stepped away from the pursuit of the in-demand 19-year-old as their midfield upheaval became apparent.
Liverpool were frequently in the conversation surrounding the former Birmingham City youngster and it was largely believed that he was destined to be at Anfield for the start of the 2023-24 season. But now it looks unlikely as the plan sees Klopp targeting several midfielders.
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As a result, ESPN are reporting that Pep Guardiola's side are now at the front of the pack in the hunt to sign Bellingham following the decision from the chiefs at Anfield to back away from a move this summer.
Real Madrid are also said to remain interested in his signature after they have been long-standing rivals in a bid to sign one of England's hottest prospects.
With doubts over the futures of current City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva, the Citizens are actively looking to sign at least one midfielder during the summer, the report claims.
A hefty sum of £130m has been slapped on the 19-year-old's head following superb displays for Dortmund in the Bundesliga, Champions League and at the World Cup in November. Bellingham is a rapidly becoming the beating heart of Gareth Southgate's England midfield.
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