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Liverpool were given a massive boost in their pursuit of Jude Bellingham after Carlo Ancelotti laid bare Real Madrid’s transfer plans.
The 19-year-old is the most sought-after midfielder in world football, with the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain all angling for his signature.
However, Liverpool and Real are said to be leading the chase for the Borussia Dortmund star, who would reportedly cost an eye-watering £130million.
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Indeed while Los Blancos’ current midfield boasts Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde - some of the best young talent in world football - Liverpool are in desperate need of recruits.
Jurgen Klopp’s midfield is currently dependent on the ever-reliable but ageing Jordan Henderson and an injury-prone Thiago Alcantara. Meanwhile, fringe players Naby Keita, Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain and Arthur Melo are all likely to leave at the end of the season.
In turn, the Reds have been linked with several players, with Bellingham believed to be their No.1 target.
Real Madrid to ‘stick with current crop’
Real Madrid boss Ancelotti indicated that the la Liga giants will “stick with” their current midfielders rather than splash out on Bellingham or Enzo Fernandez.
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“Bellingham has shown at the World Cup that he is a great midfielder, but so have others,” Ancelotti said (via Marca).
“Enzo Fernandez has played very well. Gavi and Pedri as well. Bellingham is one of those very good midfielders, but I’ll stick with the ones we have.”
Furthermore reputed journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claimed the Reds have a “good chance” of getting Bellingham in the summer.
The Italian reporter told Caught Offside: “‘There’s not much in the way of hope that Jude Bellingham will stay at Borussia Dortmund.
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“There isn’t a clause in his current contract allowing him to leave in the summer but they told him that if there’s a big opportunity for him he can leave.
“They have to talk, if he wants to talk. I think they will have to talk. I noted on Twitter a few weeks ago that his father is very keen on the prospect of his boy going to Liverpool.
“I don’t think a January exit will happen, Dortmund doesn’t like to do that. Money will be the main point for Liverpool but don’t forget about Real Madrid, as they have more at the moment.
“I heard in Liverpool that Jurgen Klopp really wants him.
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“We call him a ‘mancatcher’ – if he wants to pursue a person, he can do that but he also has to pursue the club. I heard the club has about £200-250m that they want to spend in the summer, so there’s a good chance they get Bellingham.”
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Football, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham, Carlo Ancelotti, Jurgen Klopp, Transfers