The bond between Jordan Henderson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Liverpool transfer target Jude Bellingham appears to be growing the deeper England advance into the World Cup.
Ever since the tournament got underway in Qatar, the Anfield duo have been routinely photographed at close quarters with their club's prospective new signing.
Bellingham turned provider on Sunday evening as he provided the pass that allowed Henderson to put England 1-0 up against Senegal in the Round of 16, helping to kick-start a 3-0 win that now sets up a mouth-watering quarter-final date with defending world champions France.
LATEST: Jude Bellingham transfer race accelerates as Anfield insiders give clue to Liverpool plan
READ MORE: Henderson has just answered England critics perfectly and Bellingham verdict proves it
Straight after the goal, Henderson and Bellingham celebrated by locking heads in a demonstration of mutual appreciation, but as it later emerged, that wasn't the only time such an act was undertaken.
A tweet from the official England account later showed Bellingham on a video call with both Henderson and Alexander-Arnold. Bellingham looks delighted as his international teammates recreate the celebration with each other.
That wasn't the only evidence of the blossoming 'red-mance' on the night either. After celebrating Henderson's goal, the Liverpool captain can be seen addressing the crowd by pointing at Bellingham, before the 19-year-old returned the compliment.
Prior to the World Cup it has been widely reported that Bellingham is Liverpool's number one transfer target next summer, but the Reds will be all too aware that they will face stiff competition from the cream of European football for his services and that has led to suggestions that Bellingham's current club, Borussia Dortmund could ask for as much as £150million for their midfielder.
Jurgen Klopp will surely be hoping that the 19-year-old's clear affection for both Henderson and Alexander-Arnold - the latter of which has been seen with the teenager almost non-stop since arriving in Qatar - will help get a deal for one of world football's emerging stars over the line.
READ NEXT
-
How FSG sale plan will impact Liverpool transfer business with takeover alternative suggested
-
'Ridiculous' - Jude Bellingham sends blunt message over Liverpool star Jordan Henderson
-
Jordan Henderson and Gary Lineker send messages to Raheem Sterling after 'harrowing ordeal'
-
'No problem' - Gary Neville and Roy Keane explain why Jordan Henderson starts for England vs Senegal
