Real Madrid are now 'stepping up' their efforts to sign Liverpool target Jude Bellingham ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Spanish media.
Los Blancos, like Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, have seemingly made the England international their priority signing in the next transfer window with both sides looking to bolster their midfields.
Madrid are reportedly 'willing' to pay as high as £124 million, with £35m of that coming as add-ons. Ultimately, the decision could come down to where Bellingham wants to play his football - with both clubs able to afford the asking price.
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Spanish outlet AS Diario have reported that Bellingham will be leaving Dortmund in the summer with a choice between Liverpool and Madrid set to be made.
Their piece claims: "Madrid’s excellent relationship with Dortmund works in their favour - but it’s Bellingham who’ll have the final say, given that both suitors are ready to go higher than the €100m the German club are after. Madrid could bid as much as €140m: an initial fee of €100m, plus €40m in add-ons."
AS also claims that "Madrid chiefs recently sent a representative of the club to Germany to meet the player and his family". Their article adds: "The aim of the visit was to get to know Bellingham and persuade the 19-year-old that a move to the Bernabéu is the ideal next step in his young career."
Like Liverpool, Madrid are looking to revamp their midfield, but their rebuild is well and truly underway with Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni already at the club as they look to replace the aging Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
The Reds are further behind with their plans and some would argue that Klopp needs to sign Bellingham more than Carlo Ancelotti does. Liverpool have seen standards slip this season and are in danger of missing out on Champions League football for next term.
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