CBS reporter Ben Jacobs has provided an encouraging update regarding Liverpool’s pursuit of Borussia Dortmund sensation, Jude Bellingham.
What’s the word?
Speaking in a Q and A on Twitter, the transfer insider revealed that the Anfield outfit are seemingly hopeful that they can win the race for the England star, despite expected competition from both Manchester City and Real Madrid.
Asked about the 19-year-old’s future, Jacobs stated: “Liverpool still confident. Not a lot of changed. Real are there (but have a slightly lower fee in mind). #MCFC one to watch also. Later to the race, but they’ll make their move post-window.”
This follows a report from Sky Sports earlier this week that suggested that the Merseysiders are still the frontrunners in the battle to land the teenager this summer, with the former Birmingham City starlet potentially set to command as much as €150m (£132m) if he is to depart at the end of the season.
Dream Hendo heir
It would appear that the struggling Reds are in need of a fresh injection of both quality and youth in the centre of the park, with manager Jurgen Klopp still perhaps overly reliant on the ageing figures of James Milner, Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson.
The latter man, in particular, has endured a frustrating campaign thus far, with the long-serving skipper – who has racked up 471 appearances for the club to date – only recently admitting that he has found it “tough” to rediscover his best form following the World Cup.
The 32-year-old has notably averaged just 0.8 tackles and 0.6 interceptions per game from his 16 Premier League outings this season, while also failing to provide a single goal or assist in that time.
Those woes may well have indicated that the former Sunderland man’s powers are on the wane, albeit with it set to prove hard to replace such an experienced and vocal presence in the dressing room, with the Englishman previously lauded as someone who “leads by example” by teammate Virgil van Dijk.
As such, the six-time European champions could well find a suitable heir to the £140k-per-week machine in the form of Bellingham, with the emerging superstar having already been described as a “leader” by Dortmund colleague Mats Hummels, despite his youth.
Having already been handed the armband on occasion during his time in Germany, the highly-coveted “phenomenon” – as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig – would no doubt be able to fill Henderson’s void as the commanding figure in Klopp’s midfield.
A player who can seemingly ” do everything”, according to pundit Gary Neville, the 6 foot 1 maestro has continued to blossom for both club and country of late, notably racking up four goals and three assists in 16 Bundesliga games this season.
The all-action starlet has also illustrated his willingness to put in the hard yards defensively as he has averaged 3.1 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game in the top flight, showcasing that he could well provide the energy that Henderson is currently struggling to offer to the Reds.
While the Merseysiders won’t be counting their chickens just yet, it does appear that the acquisition of Bellingham could well be a very real possibility come the summer.