Real Madrid are keen to strike a deal to sign Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham for £78million this summer.
The 18-year-old has emerged as one of Europe’s young stars, having become a mainstay for Dortmund in the past two years, making over 90 appearances.
The midfielder has also caught the attention of Liverpool and Manchester United who are looking to bolster their midfields ahead of next season.
However, according to Cadena Ser, Madrid are trying to edge ahead of their English rivals by agreeing a fee with Dortmund, in an attempt to stop Bellingham’s price rising in the future.
The report goes on to say that the Englishman would stay in Germany for another year because of limits on non-EU players in La Liga.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side currently have a full quota of non-EU players but will have a place available with Vinicius Junior set to receive a Spanish passport next year.
Since signing from Birmingham City in 2020, Bellingham has scored 10 goals and made 18 assists for Dortmund.
Meanwhile, he won the German cup in 2021 and was named in the Bundesliga Team of the Season last term.
He has played 15 times in an England shirt and was part of Gareth Southgate’s squad which made the final of the European Championships last summer.
Madrid would like to sign Bellingham to add youth to their ageing midfield, with Toni Kroos and Luka Modric both in their thirties.
But they face a battle to convince Dortmund to sell, with the Bundesliga giants reluctant to lose another star after letting Erling Haaland leave to join Manchester City this summer.
Earlier this year, Bellingham indicated he would stay with Dortmund next season.
He said: ‘The only future I am thinking about is the next game with Dortmund. And I will be here next season. I am ready.’
MORE : Jude Bellingham confirms transfer decision amid Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool links
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
