Jude Bellingham fuels transfer speculation by signing Real Madrid shirt

Borussia Dortmund and England star Jude Bellingham has fueled transfer speculation by signing a Real Madrid shirt.

Bellingham has been heavily linked with Los Blancos, who are one of a slew of teams in the race for his signature.

The 19-year-old, who shone for England in the World Cup over in Qatar, is widely expected to move on from Borussia Dortmund in the near future after three years in the Bundesliga.

Real are high on the Birmingham City youth product and it was previously reported that Los Blancos think they can land him next summer for a fee of €90 million.

And Bellingham has got fans excited of late after footage emerged of him signing a Real shirt. Bellingham was wearing his Dortmund training attire and signing autographs for fans.

The all white Real home jersey was presented in front of him and Bellingham, with a permanent marker in hand, was more than happy to scribble his signature.

Many players would have refused such a request given it is not the shirt he wears but Bellingham seemingly had no issue.

During his stint in Qatar representing England, Bellingham was told to join Real by a fan in a video which went viral.

At first the supporter told Bellingham he was the best midfielder in the world, before adding, "Come to Real Madrid, come to Real Madrid."

However, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson was sat with Bellingham when the comment was made and he replied, "Not Madrid."

The fan then brought up last season's Champions League final, where Real beat Liverpool 1-0 courtesy of a Vinicius Jr winner in Paris.

Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was also present, let out a laugh even if they likely didn't want to be reminded.

The fan also told Bellingham he would win the Ballon d'Or if he joined Real.

Liverpool are known admirers of Bellingham and the latest is that the Anfield club are reportedly planning to offer his father, Mark, a role in order to convince him to join.

Carlo Ancelotti recently described Bellingham as a "great midfielder" and Spanish journalist Guillem Balague believes Real are in the driving seat to sign him.

[Real] are favourites, quite clearly," he said on ITV.

"Borussia Dortmund have to have a conversation with the player, and with his dad, who is key to the solution of this situation. They've always been very aware about where to place him, and where to place him next.

"He is ready for Real Madrid. Real Madrid are ready for him.

"The price is about €100 million, plus €40 million depending on certain bonuses. Real Madrid are saying, 'Yeah, not a problem'. But we know that there are other clubs that want him.

"I do think Real Madrid are favourites, and as Gaizka [Mendieta, fellow pundit and ex-Barcelona star] said, it fits what Real Madrid are doing, and what Jude is doing next. Remember, he's only 19."

Topics: Jude Bellingham, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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