It was the news that no Liverpool supporter wanted, but the Reds' long-running pursuit of Jude Bellingham is off, for now at least.
Despite reported interest from European big-hitters like Real Madrid and Manchester City, hopes had been high that an Anfield charm offensive would convince the 19-year-old midfielder that he should start next season in a red shirt on Merseyside. But even if that prospect tickled his fancy, market forces appear to have dictated that such a move is no longer an option for him.
With a suggested asking price of around £130million, plus add-ons, the Borussia Dortmund star is seemingly out of Liverpool's reach, with a wider summer rebuild now believed to be manager Jurgen Klopp's preference as opposed to throwing all his eggs in one basket.
