Transfer Talk: Liverpool and Real keen to pay Jude

Real Madrid and Liverpool will compete for Jude Bellingham’s signature next summer.

The England midfielder, 18, is not expected to leave Borussia Dortmund in 2022 but the heavyweight duo are desperate to sign him a year later.

He is considered one of the hottest talents in Europe and the LaLiga giants want him to replace 36-year-old Luka Modric.

Liverpool’s fierce rivals Manchester United put on the charm offensive when Bellingham left Birmingham in 2020 but were unable to convince him to join.

Now the Merseysiders are considered the frontrunners in the race for the 11-cap international should he opt to return home and play in the Premier League.

They are looking for fresh legs in a midfield that was never strengthened following Gini Wijnaldum’s move to Paris Saint-Germain last summer.

Despite his tender years, Bellingham has established himself in BVB’s starting XI, playing 83 times for the German outfit already.

That includes 37 appearances this season with six goals scored and 13 assists in all competitions.

He will not come cheap though, with BILD saying both clubs would have to pay at least £84million for the teenager, who has a contract at Signal Iduna Park until 2025.

In other news

The Mirror say Leeds want £67m for star winger Raphinha and the Athletic report that a release clause in his deal will only kick in if they are relegated from the Premier League.

According to A Bola, Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle are all keen to sign Porto’s 27-year-old midfielder Otavio.

Arsenal will face competition from Atletico Madrid if they want to sign forward Lautaro Martinez from Inter Milan for £58m, reports in Italy suggest.