Real Madrid are confident they will win the race for Jude Bellingham's signature in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Bellingham, 19, is one of the most sought-after players in Europe and has impressed for Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League this season and for England at the recent World Cup in Qatar. The talented midfielder is widely expected to leave Dortmund at the end of this season.
Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are among those interested in signing Bellingham, but European champions Real believe they can persuade the Englishman to move to the Spanish capital thanks to their promising young squad and bigger bank balance.
As reported by several outlets - including The Independent and Spanish outlet Marca - Real believe they can persuade Bellingham to choose LaLiga over the Premier League by pitching themselves as the 'best place for young talent in Europe'.
Real have signed a number of emerging talents in recent years - such as Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior, Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, Eder Militao and Eduardo Camavinga. Brazilian wonderkid Endrick will join the Spanish giants when he turns 18 in July 2024.
Real are yet to agree a transfer fee with Dortmund for Bellingham, but they believe they are leading the chase for his signature. The Englishman's existing deal expires in June 2025 and Dortmund reportedly want around £130million for their prized asset.
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That transfer fee could be a sticking point for Liverpool, as Jurgen Klopp has admitted the Reds "cannot play monopoly" in the market. The same can't be said about mega-rich PSG, while Manchester United and Manchester City are thought to be keen on the player.
Real's youth project is already paying dividends. They've won two LaLiga titles in the last three seasons and have claimed five of their last nine Champions League trophies. Ancelotti's side are currently level on points with Barcelona at the top of the LaLiga table.
Liverpool, meanwhile, appear to be going through a transitional period after almost winning a quadruple last season. Their 3-1 defeat at Brentford on Monday night has left them sixth in the Premier League table - seven points behind Man Utd in fourth.
There's a chance Liverpool will miss out on Champions League football next season if their form doesn't improve. Bellingham will get the opportunity to see the Reds take on Real in the last 16 of the Champions League, with the first leg taking place on February 21.
One club that can't be ignored in the race to sign Bellingham is PSG after their president Nasser Al-Khelaifi told Sky News : "What a player [Bellingham is]. Honestly, England are lucky to have him... and he's one of the best players in the tournament [World Cup].
"Amazing and you see his first World Cup - calm and relaxed and confident... Everyone wants him. I'm not going to hide it. But I respect he's in his club and, respect if we want to talk to him, we talk to the club first."
