Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti appears to have handed Liverpool a huge boost to their hopes of signing Jude Bellingham by suggesting that the Spanish side are not in the running for his signature.
The England midfielder has triggered a scramble for his services over the last few years with his stunning performances for the Three Lions as well as Borussia Dortmund. Liverpool have been those most regularly linked with a swoop for his services.
It was thought that the Reds could face severe competition for Bellingham with reigning Spanish champions Real Madrid reportedly keen. Whilst recognising the huge talent that the 19-year-old possesses, Los Blancos boss Ancelotti has rejected the prospect of his side making a move having been left content with the options he currently has in the centre of the park.
Speaking in a press conference ahead of his side’s LaLiga clash with Villarreal, the Italian said: "There are a lot of youngsters, like Enzo [Fernandez], and a lot of midfielders who are coming through, some of them Spanish.
"Bellingham is one of them, but I'll stick with my midfielders, who are very good, especially the youngsters, like Valverde, Camavinga and Tchouameni. We have a lot of young players."
Like Ancelotti, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was also probed on the prospect of Liverpool making a move for Bellingham over the festive period and was unsure of how much the midfielder would cost. The German explained: “Bellingham is just exceptional.
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“He plays so mature, like a 28-year-old. Everybody already knew his skills, but I have no idea what that means for the money side of it.
“He’s very good, exceptional. He had an incredible World Cup”.
Bellingham has two-and-a-half years remaining on his current contract with Dortmund and is arguably in the midst of what could be his most impressive season since moving to Germany from Birmingham City. He has made 22 appearances in all competitions for Die Schwarzgelben, scoring nine goals and providing three assists.
Whilst Liverpool have been handed a huge boost with Real Madrid seemingly ruling themselves out of the race to sign him, the Reds could potentially face more competition slightly closer to home. Manchester City have been linked with a move for the midfielder and are hoping that their cordial relationship with Dortmund could help them secure a deal ahead of Liverpool.
Pep Guardiola ’s side signed two players from the German side in the summer including scoring sensation Erling Haaland and defender Manuel Akanji. City’s interest could force Liverpool to potentially move onto alternative targets having been linked with a move for Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes.
