Jurgen Klopp has admitted that Liverpool withdrew from the race to sign Jude Bellingham because they cannot afford to sign him.
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Bellingham was understood to have been Liverpool's number one target for the summer transfer window. But his expected price tag of over £100million, and the competition from Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United, has prompted the Reds to look elsewhere.
Liverpool will have to undergo a huge rebuild at the end of the season, with midfield an area of particular importance. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and James Milner are all set to leave the club when their contracts expire at the end of June, but Bellingham will not be arriving as an eye-catching replacement.
