Real Madrid prepare £78m deal for Man Utd, Liverpool target Jude Bellingham | Soccer

The 18-year-old has developed into one of Europe’s youngest stars and has become a mainstay for Dortmund with over 90 appearances over the past two years.

The midfielder has also attracted the attention of Liverpool and Manchester United who are looking to strengthen their midfielders ahead of next season.

However, according to Cadena Ser, Madrid are trying to stay one step ahead of their English rivals by agreeing a deal with Dortmund to stop Bellingham’s price hike going forward.

The report went on to say that the Englishman would stay in Germany for one more year due to restrictions on non-EU players in La Liga.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side currently have a full quota of non-EU players but will have a spot free as Vinicius Junior will receive a Spanish passport next year.

Since joining from Birmingham City in 2020, Bellingham has scored 10 goals and provided 18 assists for Dortmund.

Meanwhile, he won the German Cup in 2021 and was named to the Bundesliga team of the season last season.

He has played 15 times in an England shirt and was part of Gareth Southgate’s squad to reach the final of the European Championships last summer.

Madrid would be keen to sign Bellingham to rejuvenate their aging midfield of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, both in their 30s.

But they face a battle to persuade Dortmund to sell. The Bundesliga giants are reluctant to drop another star after letting Erling Haaland join Manchester City this summer.

Earlier this year, Bellingham indicated he would stay at Dortmund next season.

He said: “The only future I’m thinking about is the next game against Dortmund. And I will be here next season. I’m ready.’

MORE: Jude Bellingham confirms Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool transfer decision

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