In-demand Borussia Dortmund teen Jude Bellingham is reportedly favouring a move to Real Madrid over Liverpool and Manchester United.
The England midfielder, 19, is one of Europe’s hottest prospects, with the two Premier League giants known to be among his keenest admirers.
Dortmund are bracing themselves for bids next summer and have slapped a £131million price tag on their prized asset, according to The Athletic.
However, reports in Spain indicate the player’s priority is to play for European champions Real Madrid.
The 15-cap international will meet with Real president Florentino Perez to see if a deal can be done before he speaks to other chasing clubs.
Liverpool will be eagerly waiting in the wings if a move to the Bernabeu does not come to fruition, with the Reds’ interest in him dating back nearly a decade.
United were in the running to land Bellingham before he chose to sign for Dortmund from boyhood club Birmingham in 2020 and the Red Devils are now ready to make another attempt for his signature.
BVB have also not given up hope of keeping the Stourbridge native beyond the end of the current campaign as they prepare to enter contract talks.
If that £131m valuation is met, it is set to be the highest transfer fee Dortmund have ever received — more than what they raked in for the sales of Ousmane Dembele, Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland respectively.
In other news
Arsenal have contacted Eintracht Frankfurt attacking midfielder Jesper Lindstrom, 22, over a £17m January move, according to reports in Germany.
The Gunners could face competition in their pursuit of Shakhtar Donetsk and Ukraine winger Mykhalo Mudryk, 21, with The Express claiming Brighton have entered the race.
Reports in Spain say Spain forward Marco Asensio, 26, has not closed the door on a move from Real Madrid to arch-rivals Barcelona.
