Manchester City are growing increasingly confident of winning the race for the signature of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham this summer, according to a report.
The highly sought-after 19-year-old is widely expected to seek pastures new ahead of the 2023-24 campaign after three successful years developing into a star player in the Bundesliga, recording 20 goals and 24 assists in 124 games all competitions.
It is understood that Bellingham and his representatives will hold a meeting with Dortmund chiefs during the international break to discuss his future at the club, with BVB still hopeful of extending his existing contract beyond June 2025.
Pep Guardiola's side are believed to be targeting three big-money signings this summer, and Bellingham has been identified as one of their primary targets.
The Citizens are not the only top European club keen to lure the £133m-rated midfielder away from Germany, though, as Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid have also been credited with an interest.
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Liverpool had been considered as one of the frontrunners in the race for Bellingham, but a recent report claims that the Reds are "increasingly unlikely" to sign the England international this summer.
Now, ESPN states that Man City are growing confident that they can fend off stern competition to sign Bellingham, although Real Madrid also remain firmly in the race for his signature.
The report adds that the Etihad Stadium and the Santiago Bernabeu remain the most likely destinations for Bellingham this summer, even though Dortmund are desperate to keep hold of their star player for another year.
Man City will likely step up their pursuit of Bellingham if club captain Ilkay Gundogan leaves when his contract expires at the end of the season.
The Citizens are allegedly open to letting the 32-year-old depart after seven seasons at the Etihad, with Barcelona keen to lure him to Camp Nou on a free transfer.
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Bernardo Silva is another City star who has been linked with a summer exit after admitting in January that he is open to beginning a "new chapter" in his career.
Barcelona are understood to have held an interest in the 28-year-old for some time, but they may struggle to stump up a fee in the region of £70m due to their ongoing financial concerns.
However, ESPN claims that Real Madrid could swoop for the Portugal international if they miss out on signing Bellingham this summer.
The report also states that Los Blancos are keeping tabs on Celta Vigo's 20-year-old star Gabri Veiga, with Carlo Ancelotti expected to revamp his midfield ahead of next season.
It remains to be seen whether 37-year-old Luka Modric and 33-year-old Toni Kroos will remain at the club beyond this season, with their contracts expiring in less than four months' time.
Oliver Thomas
