From David Ornstein: Liverpool fall behind Man City and Real Madrid in Jude Bellingham hunt

Manchester City and Real Madrid have been handed even greater hope in the pursuit of Jude Bellingham this summer, according to a new report from David Ornstein.

The reigning Premier League champions continue to sound out potential central midfield targets for the upcoming summer transfer window, as they simultaneously seek to clarify the future of existing first-team stars.

Ilkay Gundogan continues to leave Manchester City in contract limbo as he approaches the expiry of his existing deal, while Bernardo Silva is understood to still have one eye on an Etihad Stadium exit in the coming months.

Putting the futures of the aforementioned duo alongside a feeling that Pep Guardiola’s side require an overall refresh, and it will come as no surprise to see City linked to Europe’s most in-demand central midfielders.

The general feeling is that Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham is Manchester City’s number one target, but with the player having no release clause in his Bundesliga deal, the German club could demand well in excess of £120 million for their star man.

While interest has been widespread amongst Europe’s premier clubs, one report this week has suggested that Manchester City and Real Madrid may now have moved to the very top of the pile for the 19 year-old.

That is according to a new update from David Ornstein for The Athletic this week, who reports that it is now being regarded as ‘increasingly unlikely’ that Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool will sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund this summer.

While it is highlighted that the Anfield club have been one of the most-linked club to the England international, it is now stated that the anticipated transfer fee, financial power of rival suitors, and reluctance to enter a bidding war make a deal more unlikely.

However, while this does not necessarily mean that Liverpool can be considered out of the race with no decisions made as of yet, The Athletic quote ‘sources with knowledge of the matter’ who hold the belief that Manchester City and Real Madrid are in ‘stronger positions’.

While there is a long way to go before clarity on Jude Bellingham’s club future can be realised, City continue to line up potential back-up options in the event of disappointment in their pursuit of the teenager.

Closer to home, there are admirers within Manchester City of Declan Rice as West Ham continue to struggle in the Premier League, while Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic is also held in very high-regard by manager Pep Guardiola.