Real Madrid have reportedly identified Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham as a transfer target for 2023.
The Champions League winners have already been proactive this summer with Aurelien Tchouameni having left Monaco to move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
As it stands, Los Blancos are well stocked for options in the middle of the pitch, aided by the recent contract renewal of Luka Modric.
However, with the veteran turning 37 years of age in September and the futures of Toni Kroos and Dani Ceballos very much in doubt, Carlo Ancelotti's options in that area of the pitch may soon change.
According to AS, Bellingham has been placed on Real's transfer shortlist ahead of the 2023 summer window.
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While the transition in the middle of the pitch may change over a period of time, it is claimed that there is a desire for Bellingham to feature in a new-look trio.
The 18-year-old is said to be the desired player to work alongside Eduardo Camavinga and Tchouameni from next year onwards, providing that Dortmund are open to a sale.
With the Bundesliga outfit having already sold Erling Braut Haaland this summer, no more of their key men are expected to depart the Westfalenstadion.
However, should he not extend his contract over the next year, Bellingham will be left with two years remaining on his deal in 12 months time.
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Dortmund are said to value the teenager in the region of £85m, and that valuation is unlikely to change even when his contract has less time to run.
Nevertheless, it is claimed that Real may attempt to sign Bellingham for a fee of £77m, aware that Dortmund will prefer not to allow the player to continue to run down his contract.
The La Liga champions will almost certainly face stiff competition for arguably their star man with Liverpool and Manchester United said to be monitoring the situation.
Earlier this month, it was suggested that a return to the Champions League may help United see off their North West rivals in the race for Bellingham's signature.
Much could also depend on whether Jurgen Klopp maintains his stance of postponing a search for a new central midfielder until the end of the upcoming season.
Darren Plant
