Liverpool's commitment to sign Borussia Dortmund sensation Jude Bellingham has made it 'very complicated' for Real Madrid.
That's according to Spanish outlet Marca, which is known for its close ties to Los Blancos, and who have been tipped to go head-to-head with Jurgen Klopp's side over the signing of the former Birmingham City scholar, who has become the most in-demand midfielder in Europe over the last 18 months due to his performances for Dortmund and the England national team.
Madrid added French prodigy Aurelien Tchouameni to their ranks in a deal that could exceed £85m earlier this year, after Liverpool had previously staked their interest, and have now made Bellingham their next midfield priority. However, so have the team who they beat in last season's Champions League final.
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Marca are reporting that Anfield bosses will push hard for a deal to sign Bellingham next summer, which will make any possible agreement 'very complicated' for the La Liga giants.
The publication adds that Madrid have already contacted Bellingham's entourage to explore his intentions, which were met with a 'positive' response 'without commitment'. However, Marca states that the Santiago Bernabeu bosses will abandon their attempts to sign the 19-year-old midfielder if the Bundesliga outfit holds out for an unrealistic transfer with Madrid's stance being 'not to commit crazy things that could compromise the economic stability of the club'.
Marca's publication of Madrid's stance, published on November 4, comes just days after German outlet Sport Bild claimed that the Liverpool will go 'all in' on the signing of Bellingham. The Reds are reported to have set aside €100m(£86m) to enter business with Dortmund.
Contrary to those reports, elsewhere in Germany, it has been stated that the five-time Bundesliga champions will look for a fee closer to €150m (£128m) for the midfielder when they finally decide to part ways with their most prominent asset.
Having excelled since making the move to the Signal Iduna Park in 2020, Bellingham is expected to undertake a starring role in the England's World Cup campaign in Qatar later this month.
Midfield is clearly the next focus of Klopp's Liverpool overhaul as he is tasked with decreasing the average age of the side. With James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara well into their 30s, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita - and Milner - all out of contract next summer, the Reds will realistically need to bring in a handful of midfield options ahead of the 2023/24 season.
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