Jordan Henderson has shared his thoughts on the rise of Jude Bellingham as speculation around a possible big-money move to Liverpool intensifies.
The pair are expected to be named in Gareth Southgate's England squad, which is set to be announced in four days' time, ahead of the winter World Cup in Qatar. But whereas Liverpool captain Henderson is more likely to play an experienced support role in the international tournament, teenager Bellingham has shot to prominence and will be trusted to take control of the Three Lions' engine room himself.
The 19-year-old has become one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe and is widely believed to be Liverpool's number one transfer target next summer. Enthusiasm about his rise to prominence is shared by Henderson, who has been enjoying watching his development.
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Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, ahead of the release of his autobiography, Henderson said: "I am very excited by Jude as a player and as a character and a person. I can’t speak highly enough of him. I’m cautious of speaking too much around him because it is easy to forget how young he is and there is a lot of pressure on him.
"Let him play and let him enjoy his football. He has been doing fantastically well again this season, which is no surprise. That is a huge, huge bonus going into the World Cup to have a player like him in form."
Bellingham is under contract at Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund until 2024, but the German club could let him go for a fee in excess of £100million, that could rise to as much as £150million should top clubs enter into a bidding war.
Sources have reportedly told ESPN that Liverpool are 'leading the race' for Bellingham with the Reds believed to have formed close ties with the player's representatives. Jurgen Klopp is widely expected to overhaul his Liverpool midfield at the end of the season, with ageing legs and persistent injury problems blighting his current crop.
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