Transfer Talk: Real prepare £88m Bellingham bid

Real Madrid will step up their pursuit of Jude Bellingham in January but are refusing to overpay for the England sensation.

Los Blancos are set to battle long-term admirers Liverpool for the Borussia Dortmund playmaker, 19, after his superb World Cup performances.

ESPN claim Real are ready to make their move and value Bellingham at £88million — a figure they will reportedly not go above.

Carlo Ancelotti is looking to freshen up his midfield with Luka Modric, 37, and Toni Kroos, who turns 33 next week, heading towards the end of their careers.

He secured the services of France starlet Aurelien Tchouameni last summer and also boasts young talents Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde.

Real have been talking up their project to Bellingham but Liverpool are set to provide stiff competition as they have their own midfield issues to address.

Jurgen Klopp is aware of the need for younger legs in the engine room and Bellingham's displays in Qatar proved he is ready to handle the pressure of playing at the highest level.

Chelsea have also been linked in recent weeks but appear to have turned their attention elsewhere with The Metro reporting that Enzo Fernandez has agreed to join them.

In other news

Jorginho is keen to return to Napoli when his Chelsea contract expires but Newcastle and Barcelona will try and persuade him to join them instead, claim reports in Italy.

The Daily Mail suggest Raul Jimenez will be allowed to leave Wolves in January if they can land one of their striker targets.

Former Everton and Watford winger Gerard Deulofeu has emerged as a target for Aston Villa, report 90min.