AFTER 12 MONTHS OF TALKS, SALGADO WANTS REAL MADRID TO SIGN LIVERPOOL TARGET

According to Marca, Real Madrid are now stepping up their pursuit of Liverpool target Jude Bellingham after 12 months of negotiations. Well, the Spanish giants took the Champions League away from Liverpool, then beat the Reds to a deal for Aurelien Tchouameni – now, they plan to make it a hattrick of upsets for Jürgen Klopp. Marca believe Real Madrid are now in discussions over financial figures in regards to a move for Bellingham, having spent the past year doing groundwork on what looks set to be one of the biggest deals in football history.

Interest in the 19-year-old has become even more intense in recent weeks as the teenager was handed the captain’s armband by Borussia Dortmund, which he wore with pride as he scored in last night’s 4-1 win over Sevilla. In doing so, Bellingham became the youngest captain to score in the Champions League, as well as the first teenage midfielder to score in three consecutive Champions League games.

In our view, Liverpool are now in serious danger of missing out on Bellingham. Marca believe Real Madrid are able to afford a move for the Birmingham-born wonderkid, with Borussia Dortmund valuing their No.22 at £130m. On the contrary, James Pearce of The Athletic believes the figures involved could be an issue for Liverpool, as they are not exactly the biggest spenders with Fenway Sports Group (FSG) at the helm.

Additionally, Marca state that Hans-Joachim Watzke, Chief Executive Officer at Borussia Dortmund, is an ally of Real Madrid, and he often holds talks with Los Blancos. Therefore, Liverpool may now struggle to sign Bellingham with Real Madrid taking their pursuit very seriously. Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in the young midfielder but it now looks like they’re out of the race to sign him.