Liverpool are reportedly still at the head of the queue for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.
The 19-year-old is widely expected to leave his German club during this summer's transfer window, with many of the leading clubs in world football said to be interested in his signature.
Liverpool have been heavily linked with the teenager over the last 12 months, but it has been claimed that the club's struggles this season could harm their chances of signing him.
The Reds are currently down in ninth position in the Premier League table, 10 points behind fourth-placed Manchester United, with the club facing the possibility of missing out on Champions League football for next term.
However, according to Sky Deutschland journalist Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool remain one of the favourites for his signature alongside Real Madrid and Manchester City, with Reds boss Jurgen Klopp "pushing for him".
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"We all think Bellingham will leave this summer, and that there is no chance Dortmund can keep him at this stage," Plettenberg said on the Transfer Show.
"But he has a contract without a release clause, so the price tag is very high. Dortmund want to have between €100m (£88m)-€150m (£132m) for him in the summer.
"There are three targets for him - Real Madrid, Man City and Liverpool. Liverpool are one of the favourites, and Jurgen Klopp is pushing, pushing, pushing for him and says he is his No 1 transfer target.
"Klopp hasn't spoken to Bellingham personally yet, but the conversations have been held with people like Julian Ward. Now they just have to work out who is paying the money."
Bellingham has again been a key player for BVB this season, making 23 appearances in all competitions, contributing 10 goals and four assists in the process.
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The youngster was also in excellent form for England at the 2022 World Cup, scoring once and providing one assist in five appearances.
According to Bild, Bellingham and his representatives are expected to meet with Dortmund in March to discuss his future with the German giants.
BVB are said to be prepared to make him 'a historic offer' to stay, but the midfielder is likely to seek pastures new following three seasons with the Bundesliga giants.
Bellingham moved to Dortmund from Birmingham City in 2020, and he has represented the club on 113 occasions, scoring 20 goals and contributing 20 assists in the process.
Man United and Chelsea are also said to be admirers of the teenager, but the two clubs are said to be behind Liverpool, Man City and Real Madrid when it comes to the pecking order.
Matt Law
