Real Madrid have reportedly made Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham their top target for next summer's transfer window.
The 19-year-old is set to become one of the most-sought after midfielders in Europe in the New Year, with a host of elite clubs expected to battle for his signature.
Bellingham has elevated his game to new heights since he joined Dortmund from boyhood club Birmingham City in 2020, scoring 13 goals and providing 18 assists in 100 appearances for the German outfit across all competitions.
A potential return to English football has been mooted for Bellingham, with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea all believed to be interested in his services.
A recent report claims that Jurgen Klopp's side have submitted an official bid to sign the teenager, who is allegedly valued at around £83m by BVB.
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However, Real Madrid are believed to be one of the frontrunners to sign Bellingham and one report claims that the 17-cap England international would prefer a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
According to Marca, Los Blancos have now identified Bellingham as their primary target in the summer of 2023 as they plan to reshuffle their midfield.
The Spanish giants have recruited a number of young talents in recent years, with the likes of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and most recently Aurelien Tchouameni – who was signed from Monaco over the summer – all joining the club.
Real Madrid are aware that 37-year-old Luka Modric and 32-year-old Toni Kroos are both in the latter stages of their careers, and both players – along with Dani Ceballos – are out of contract next summer, so midfield reinforcements are soon to be required.
Bellingham has been closely monitored by Real since before he joined Dortmund just over two years ago, and they allegedly made contact with the midfielder for the first time earlier this year before signing Tchouameni.
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Now, the current Champions League and La Liga holders are keen to step up their interest in Bellingham and they hope to win the race for his signature next summer.
The report adds that Bellingham is being 'pressured' into extending his contract at Dortmund even though his current deal expires in June 2025.
However, the midfielder has decided not to renew his contract following talks between his representatives and Real Madrid, and he will continue to assess his options heading into the New Year.
Bellingham appears to be at the forefront of Gareth Southgate's mind as England prepare for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as the midfielder has featured in nine of the last 10 international matches across all competitions.
The teenager completed the full 90 minutes in their final two UEFA Nations League games against Italy and Germany, but he was unable to help prevent the Three Lions from relegation to League B.
Oliver Thomas
