Liverpool have been informed that Jude Bellingham still wants to sign for them despite Jurgen Klopp and the recruitment team pulling the plug on proposals to target the England star this summer.
Speculation over the generational Borussia Dortmund midfielder remains at fever pitch as Liverpool set out plans to revamp their engine room. However, interest from Anfield in Bellingham has been cooled due to the financial costs involved amid intense competition for his signature.
With a fee of £130m having been mooted for the teenager, the Liverpool ECHO understands the Reds have determined they would be better served spreading cash on several signings rather than spending the majority of the budget to one big-money player.
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As such, the search for midfield recruits goes on. However, according to one former Liverpool player there is chance Klopp could perform a U-turn if he reads the right signals.
Addressing the ongoing Bellingham saga, Jason McAteer told beIN SPORTS: "I think he [Bellingham] wants to go to Liverpool. I think that's his preferred club.
"But the size of the surgery that's needed, you can't warrant spending that much money. Liverpool work on a sustainable model that's worked for the last five years."
McAteer, 51, who made 139 appearances for the Reds between 1995 and 1999, added: "I don't think he was never going to Liverpool. I think it was all about timing.
"If you look at the Cody Gakpo deal, they took [signed] him for a relatively cheap price. If they'd have hung on then his price would have gone up and they'd have to pay more. Then you're fighting in a room with clubs that can throw money at it. It's about timing."
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