Jude Bellingham is reportedly set to inform Borussia Dortmund of his desire to leave the club in the summer transfer window.
The 19-year-old has become one of the most sought-after midfielders in world football having elevated his game to new heights over the last few seasons in Germany.
Since joining BVB from boyhood club Birmingham City in 2020, Bellingham has developed in a star player and a leader with the Bundesliga club, recording 19 goals and 21 assists in 112 appearances across all competitions.
Bellingham has also impressed on international duty with England and played a starring role in Gareth Southgate's side at the 2022 World Cup before they were eliminated in the quarter-finals.
The midfielder has been strongly linked with a return to England, with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City all in the race for his signature, while Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have also been credited with an interest.
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According to AS, members of Dortmund's hierarchy have scheduled a meeting with Bellingham and his entourage to discuss the player's future at the club.
The report adds that the German club plan to hold talks with the midfielder before January 6 when they jet off to Marbella for a week-long mid-season training camp.
Bellingham, his father and agent Mark Bellingham, and family friend Mark Bennett – who acts as an advisor for the midfielder – are set to be joined at the meeting by Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke and sporting director Sebastian Kehl.
The report also states that Dortmund are 95% certain that Bellingham will request to leave the club at the end of the season, and the Bundesliga side will entertain offers worth an initial €100m (£88.5m) plus a series of add-ons taking a potential deal to around €140m (£123m).
A recent report claims that Bellingham's father Mark is 'pushing' for his son to join Liverpool, who are set to prioritise midfield reinforcements within the next two transfer windows.
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Jurgen Klopp, who has already recruited Dutch forward Cody Gakpo in January, will be hoping to have further funds available next summer, but there is currently uncertainty surrounding Liverpool's ownership situation as Fenway Sports Group recently revealed they are considering selling the club.
While Liverpool have aspirations of luring Bellingham to Anfield, they allegedly feel that Real Madrid currently lead the race for his signature, with the Spanish giants hopeful of fending off stern competition from Premier League rivals.
A recent report claims that Los Blancos are preparing a big-money offer in excess of €100m (£88.5m) to sign Bellingham next summer and they are said to be confident of speeding up transfer negotiations with the player in January.
Dortmund chief Watzke is understood to have a good relationship with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, which could help the Champions League holders in their pursuit of the midfielder.
Bellingham is under contract at the Westfalenstadion until the summer of 2025 and there is believed to be no release clause in his current deal.
Oliver Thomas
