"Calling almost every day" - Fabrizio Romano provides fresh update on Liverpool's Jude Bellingham pursuit

Fabrizio Romano reveals Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is playing a leading role in negotiations as the Reds look to launch a move for Jude Bellingham this summer.  

Bellingham is one of the most exciting talents in world football and is also attracting interest from Manchester City and Real Madrid. Borussia Dortmund have been unwilling to part with the 19-year-old midfielder thus far, but it is believed they would be open to selling him this summer if a suitable offer was to arrive.

Speaking on the House of Champions podcast, as cited by Anfield Watch's Twitter account, Fabrizio Romano said that Klopp is 'calling almost every day' to be well-informed about the situation.

"Jurgen Klopp is calling almost every day to ask about updates on the situation of Jude Bellingham after the Reds made him their top transfer target for the summer."

Bellingham enhanced his reputation with a string of eye-catching displays for England at the 2022 FIFA World Cup with his energy and dynamism at the centre of the park. When asked if the Englishman's displays in Qatar could price him out of a move to Liverpool, Klopp said at a press conference in December that he doesn't like to talk about the money involved.

“I don’t like to talk about money when you talk about a player like him. Everyone can see he is just exceptional.

“If you mention to someone who has no clue about football: ‘How old do you think Jude Bellingham is?’ I don’t think anyone would get even close to his age. They would say 28 or 29 because he plays so mature. He played an exceptional World Cup. Absolutely exceptional. With all the things he has and things he can improve, to describe him I would say the things he can do are difficult to learn, and the things he can improve are easy to learn. He is a really good player.

“What can I say? I have thought that already for two or three years since he had his breakthrough at Dortmund. Everybody knew already but I have no idea what that means for the money side of it. I really think if we all want to do him a favor then we do not talk too much about money. I mean that from an England point of view. Do not throw any hurdles in his development.”

ANFIELD WATCH VERDICT

Liverpool's interest in Jude Bellingham is both long-standing and well-documented. Midfield reinforcements will take utmost priority this summer due to the Reds' frailties in that area of the pitch this season, so Klopp and co will do everything it takes to sign the Englishman ahead of the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid.

A potential stumbling block in the deal could be Liverpool's failure to secure UEFA Champions League football for next season, which could have serious implications in terms of their transfer business. However, the Reds' charm is unlikely to diminish due to one bad season, so it remains to be seen how this one pans out.

There are no certainties in football, but if you're a betting man, you'd be well advised to put money on Liverpool placing a firm offer to snap up Bellingham this summer.