Liverpool could win the race for Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham as becoming a future captain at Anfield would be ‘one of the big selling points’, transfer insider Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.
Reds chief Jurgen Klopp will be handed an opportunity to bolster his squad when the winter window opens for business at the turn of the year.
Liverpool transfer news – Jude Bellingham
According to The Times, Klopp has gone on the charm offensive in an attempt to lure Bellingham to Anfield by describing him as ‘exceptional’.
The report suggests the England international was valued at £130million by Dortmund prior to putting in a number of impressive performances at the World Cup, while Real Madrid and Manchester City are also battling for his signature.
Although the prospect of Bellingham moving onto pastures new during the early stages of 2023 appears remote, meaning Liverpool and his other suitors may have to wait until the summer before attempting to strike a deal, that has not deterred Klopp.
Real Madrid believe they are in pole position to sign the central midfielder, while Manchester City feel the opportunity to work under Pep Guardiola could prove crucial in the fight for his services.
But Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth recently told GiveMeSport that Bellingham is Liverpool’s ‘number one target’ and they are hopeful of reaching a breakthrough in negotiations ahead of a move to Merseyside next summer.
What has Dean Jones said about Bellingham?
Jones believes Liverpool could convince Bellingham to snub Real Madrid and Manchester City due to the Anfield captaincy being an attraction.
The journalist feels the teenager has a big decision to make over his future and he needs to weigh up what will be the right option.
Jones told GiveMeSport: “I think one of the big selling points will be that he could become a future captain of Liverpool. I think that is a big carrot to dangle in front of him.
“Then it’s up to Bellingham and his family to weigh up exactly what is the best next step for him.”
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
Would Bellingham improve Liverpool?
Bellingham has become one of the first names on the Dortmund team-sheet thanks to racking up 40 goal contributions in 112 appearances, according to Transfermarkt.
The 19-year-old is clearly admired by Klopp, meaning Liverpool’s interest comes as no surprise, but he has also been described by Real Madrid defender David Alaba as ‘one of the greatest midfield talents in the world’, which emphasises that he is highly-rated by his peers, too.
Bellingham shone at the World Cup and Sofascore statistics show that, as well as scoring once and grabbing an assist, he averaged 3.2 tackles and one interception per outing.
Those numbers highlight that the former Birmingham City man would make Liverpool more of a threat in the final third of the pitch, while he also plays his part when his side are out of possession.
Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner’s respective contracts are expiring next summer, while Arthur Melo’s loan spell from Juventus will come to an end at the season’s conclusion, so Bellingham would be an astute addition.
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