"A longer list than usual" - Ian Doyle on Liverpool's transfer plans this summer

Liverpool Echo journalist Ian Doyle believes it's hard to predict just how much the Reds can spend this summer, with UEFA Champions League qualification looking unlikely at this point in time. 

With 42 points from 26 games, Liverpool are currently sixth in the Premier League standings, seven points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, although they've played two games fewer than Antonio Conte's side. While Jurgen Klopp's side have been linked with a big-money move for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, they face a massive battle to secure his signature as the transfer could cost upwards of £100m.

As cited by Anfield Watch's Twitter account, Doyle feels if Liverpool don't manage to snap up Bellingham, it won't be down to FSG's shortcomings.

"There are too many variables at present for us to know the budget. And that will impact who they sign. So it would just be complete guesswork at the moment.

"But, personally speaking with my own view based on nothing other than my own feelings on the matter, I'd not be surprised if they signed Bellingham and Nunes at the very least. If Liverpool don't sign Bellingham, I'm pretty sure it won't be the fault of the owners.

"And Bellingham was never leaving Dortmund before this summer anyway. Ultimately, Klopp wanted Tchouameni last year and it didn't happen, so he looked at other areas of the team.

"It's worth bearing in mind Liverpool have a longer list than usual regarding targets due to the increased number of variables - where they finish in the table, the funds they have, the demands of other clubs, the impact of the World Cup.

"So supporters might have to keep an open mind over the coming months."

ANFIELD WATCH VERDICT

Liverpool are too far into the Jude Bellingham saga now for it to end badly for them, so if the England international were to move elsewhere for whatever reason, it will still be looked at as a massive failure as he's been their primary transfer target for nearly two years now.

Additionally, the drop-off in quality between Bellingham and any of his alternatives would be considerable, so Klopp and the board need to do everything it takes to snap up the 19-year-old midfielder, along with a couple of other additions in the centre of the park.