02 March 2023 , 10:27
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Real Madrid will evaluate the long-term futures of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos before committing to a move for Jude Bellingham, who has been urged to reject a switch to Liverpool.
Liverpool have been credited with an interest in Bellingham on a number of occasions in the past, with Jurgen Klopp thought to be a big fan. Meanwhile, rivals Manchester City and Manchester United are also admirers, but it is Madrid who have emerged as frontrunners for his signature.
Bellingham's starring role in the recent World Cup for England led to the Reds stepping up their interest in signing the midfielder, whose transfer valuation continues to increase.
Klopp has said of the Englishman: "Bellingham is just exceptional. He plays so maturely, like a 28-year-old. Everybody already knew his skills, but I have no idea what that means for the money side of it. He's very good, exceptional. He had an incredible World Cup."
Klopp has admitted things need to change at the Reds and is eyeing a summer revamp of the squad, with a particular focus on their ageing midfield. The club missed out on signing Aurelien Tchouameni to Real Madrid last summer.
Klopp's dream Liverpool line up as last-gasp January transfers rejected
Tchouameni became the latest midfield arrival at Los Blancos to compliment the acquisition of Eduardo Camavinga the previous year and the emergence of Fede Valverde, with Casemiro sold, and Modric and Kroos in the autumn of their glorious careers.
Jude Bellingham caught the eye for England at the World Cup (Getty Images)Have Your Say! What club should Jude Bellingham join this summer? Tell us what you think here.
A report from Diario AS outlines how Madrid are unwilling to commit to a big-money move for Bellingham, which could set a world record fee for a midfielder, unless they believe that at least one of Kroos or Modric will need to drastically reduce their first-team minutes.
Madrid are said to believe that a year further down the line – with Bellingham out of contract at Dortmund in 2025 – would reduce his transfer fee.
This would allow them to pay the midfielder a higher wage packet, which would be his incentive to remain in the Bundesliga for a further year.
Meanwhile, former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has urged Bellingham to consider a move to Old Trafford instead of their Merseyside rivals.
The Frenchman believes that United are now a more attractive proposition for the star midfielder due to their resurgence under Erik ten Hag.
When Bellingham was quizzed on his future prior to Dortmund's Champions League clash with Manchester City earlier this season, the teenager explained: "The club have done loads for me and made me feel very welcome since I first came and gave me the opportunities to develop even further. To look past that and into the future would be disrespectful. It's not something I am thinking about, to be honest."