Former Liverpool forward Emile Heskey has insisted that his old side are "in the hunt" for England superstar Jude Bellingham despite interest from elsewhere.
The Borussia Dortmund midfielder has attracted attention from just about every major club on the continent, such is the ludicrous talent level he has been operating at since swapping Birmingham for the Bundesliga. It had been rumoured for quite some time that Liverpool were leading the charge for his signature, but recent developments have suggested that is no longer the case.
Real Madrid have reportedly entered the race, while Manchester City boast the advantage of already having two of Bellingham's former team-mates and friends in Erling Haaland and Manuel Akanji. If the Reds are to get this deal done, it will not be easy.
However, that has not dented the optimism of Heskey, who spoke exclusively to Mirror Football on behalf of Gambling.com when he discussed the clamour for Bellingham and Liverpool's chances of landing him.
"I think the frenzy for his signature has already started," the former England striker explained. "He can pretty much pick whatever league he wants to go to and whichever team he fancies in that league, he’s that good.
"I think Liverpool are still in that hunt, they’re one of the biggest draws in the Premier League and indeed the world. But it just depends on how much of a priority midfield is for them, are the club willing to spend over £100million on one player? Because that’s the sort of figure we’re talking.
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"One way to look at it is that by investing that sort of money into a player could generate more money in the long run, because you’re securing one of the brightest young talents in world football."
Heskey went on to add to how Bellingham would be a certainty in the England starting eleven for the Qatar World Cup if it were up to the ex-Liverpool striker and he even listed the three main reasons why.
"I would have him in my [England] starting line-up for his ability, his energy and commitment.
"He can play in several different roles too – he can be a number four, a number eight or even a number 10. He can play each of those midfield roles as well as anybody in the squad.
"To have that ability at his age is phenomenal. He’s reliable as well, he can dominate whatever area of midfield you place him in.
"He’s got a serious engine on him too – I’m incredibly impressed by him and would have him in the XI without any shadow of doubt."
