Liverpool were reportedly extremely close to signing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham during the summer transfer window.
The 19-year-old's future is currently the subject of much speculation, with many of the leading clubs in world football said to be interested in signing him next year.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester City have all been heavily linked with his services, while Paris Saint-Germain recently confirmed their interest.
"Everybody wants him, I'm not going to hide it. He's at his club, and [we have] respect, so if we want to talk to him we'll talk to the club first," PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi told Sky Sports News.
"Amazing player, what a player. England [are] lucky to have him, to be honest. He's one of the best players in the [World Cup]. [It's] amazing, his first World Cup, he's calm and relaxed, confident – amazing."
© Reuters
Liverpool have also been heavily linked with the former Birmingham City youngster, with the Reds believed to be in the driving seat for his signature next year.
According to Football Insider, a deal to take Bellingham to Anfield 'was virtually done' last summer, but a full agreement could not be reached, which saw the midfielder remain at Dortmund.
The report claims that the youngster's father, Mark Bellingham, is leading the negotiations when it comes to the midfielder's next move, and he is convinced that Liverpool are the right club at this stage of his career.
Bellingham has scored nine goals and registered three assists in 22 appearances for his German club this season, including four goals and one assist in five Champions League matches.
© Reuters
The teenager will allegedly inform BVB of his desire to leave once he has finished representing England at the 2022 World Cup, with the Three Lions currently preparing for their quarter-final with France.
Bellingham has starred for Gareth Southgate's side at the tournament, finding the back of the net against Iran, while he has also started against the USA, Wales and Senegal.
Dortmund have allegedly placed a loose valuation of €150m (£130m) on the former Birmingham youngster, but the price could rise if he continues to impress in Qatar.
Bellingham has scored 19 goals and registered 21 assists in 112 appearances for Dortmund in all competitions, with the midfielder joining the club from Birmingham in 2020.
Matt Law
