Liverpool have reportedly received a boost in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.
The Reds have long been linked with a move for the 19-year-old England international. But they are not the only ones said to be interested with a string of other top European clubs also in the hunt for Bellingham, who is currently with the Three Lions squad in Qatar.
One of those clubs is Real Madrid, who pipped Liverpool to the signing of another midfield talent, France international Aurelien Tchouameni, in the summer and are very keen to do the same with Bellingham.
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However, a new report suggests the reigning European champions are not prepared to meet the £130m fee supposedly set by Dortmund. That comes from Spanish news outlet Sport.
They say that Bellingham is the 'objective' for Madrid, adding: "In England they take it for granted that Liverpool have him tied up for 100m euros, but Real Madrid believes that this is not the case and they trust that it is the player who decides where he wants to end up. The footballer's entourage assures that he wants to play with the Whites, but, as in the case of Liverpool's entourage, there is no confirmation of the optimism that both teams have to take him away. What is clear is that Madrid will not reach the 150m (euros) that Borussia could ask."
Jurgen Klopp is thought to be a huge fan of Bellingham, who is being tipped to be a star of the World Cup for England, and he will be hoping if Madrid's transfer stance proves to be true, it could open the door for Liverpool.
The teenager is widely expected to leave Dortmund next summer with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United also set to be involved in the race for his signature.
But it appears that Liverpool, Madrid or any other of Bellingham's suitors, are going to have to pay big money. A fee of €150m (£130m) would break the Reds' transfer record.
Earlier this week it was reported that the player's representatives will demand 'concrete offers' before he makes a decision on his future.
Hans-Joachim Watzke, Dortmund's CEO, recently said: "We don't have to pretend that the issue is not on the table. If the really big clubs are involved , then we can't afford to have a financial fight."
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