Jude Bellingham: Liverpool ‘sense they are behind Real Madrid in race for Borussia Dortmund star’

Liverpool sense they have fallen behind Real Madrid in the race to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund next summer, according to reports in Germany.

Bellingham cemented his status as the hottest property in world football at the 2022 World Cup, where he produced a string of breathtaking displays before England were beaten by France in the quarter-finals.

Prior to the tournament, the 19-year-old was already attracting serious interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, meaning his stunning form out in Qatar has only boosted his price tag.

Reports claim Jurgen Klopp and Co rate their chances of signing Bellingham as ‘moderate’

Reports previously suggested that Liverpool were frontrunners to sign him next summer, with ESPN claiming the Merseyside club were preparing the framework for a deal after forming a good relationship with his representatives.

However, earlier this week it emerged that Madrid believe they are closest to getting their hands on Bellingham after edging ahead of the ever-growing pack of suitors.

According to The Sun, Los Blancos are confident that the Birmingham academy graduate is headed for the Spanish capital in 2023, and the draw of playing for world football’s most decorated club could be too hard to turn down.

Amid Real’s determination to bring him to the Bernabeu, German publication Bild are reporting that Liverpool also sense that they have lost ground in the race for Bellingham.

Jurgen Klopp and Anfield chiefs are said to rate their chances of prising him away from Dortmund as ‘moderate’, coming as another major boost to Madrid.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side feel the draw of becoming a Madrid icon will work in their favour

Bellingham cemented his status as the hottest property in world football at the World Cup

As well as Carlo Ancelotti’s side, Manchester City have also been circling and could yet throw their hat in the ring to beat…