So it seems the secret dealings of 'Agent' Henderson and 'Agent' Alexander-Arnold were in vain, with Liverpool's mission to sign Jude Bellingham no longer currently on the cards.
The spiralling costs involved in luring Bellingham to Anfield, coupled with a very real fear he wasn’t ready to leave Dortmund are among the reasons for Liverpool’s decision to walk away.
Throw in the sheer scale of the rebuild needed by Jurgen Klopp and the eye-watering outlay on just one player is arguably hard to justify.
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Of course, Bellingham isn’t just any player. At 19, the England international has already established himself as a truly world-class talent. He would prove a massive upgrade for any team, especially one which looks like missing out on a Champions League spot.
The general consensus now is that the Reds will use the money set aside for Bellingham to strengthen across the board.
Midfield alternatives including Mason Mount, Moises Caicedo and Alex Mac Allister have been touted. Liverpool could pick one up and still have plenty of cash swilling around to address their defensive frailties.
But is it the right move? Do you agree with the Reds’ decision to step aside in the race for Bellingham? And if they don’t sign the Borussia Dortmund midfielder then who should they go for instead?
Let us know your views in our Echo poll or in the comments section below.
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