Ancelotti "rules out" move for Dortmund's Jude Bellingham

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has appeared to rule the Spaniards out of the race for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.

The 19-year-old Englishman is one of world football's hottest prospects and has been linked with many clubs around the world, including Liverpool, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City. But during the Italian's press conference ahead of Real Madrid's LaLiga clash at Villarreal this afternoon, the 63-year-old told Spanish newspaper marca.com that despite the links to Bellingham and another Liverpool and Chelsea target in Enzo Fernandez, he was happy with his midfield options at the club.

"Bellingham has shown at the World Cup that he is a great midfielder, but so have others.

Enzo Fernandez has played very well. Gavi and Pedri as well.

Bellingham is one of those very good midfielders, but I’ll stick with the ones we have."

MADRID'S STRENGTH IN DEPTH

If you notice Real Madrid's midfield options, with the likes of French duo Eduardo Camavinga and former Liverpool target Aurelien Tchouameni, as well as still having German Toni Kroos and Croatian Luka Modric to rely on, it makes no sense as to why Madrid are linked with both Bellingham and Fernandez when they are already packed with talent for the future as well as the older experienced pros in Kroos and Modric.

On the other hand, Liverpool do not have the strength in depth in midfield compared to Real Madrid, and with both sides set to meet in the Champions League Round of 16 in February, it could be a good chance for the Reds to make a good impression on Bellingham, who according to journalist Graeme Bailey will be making his decision and telling his club Borussia Dortmund which club he would like to make a move to next summer.

Where will Jude Bellingham end up Reds?

ANFIELD WATCH VERDICT

The Jude Bellingham saga will be the main transfer saga of next summer, even though we are in January it's already beginning to dominate. Will he stay at Dortmund? Will he become Liverpool's new midfield superstar? Will he reunite with former teammate Erling Haaland at the Etihad? Will he become the latest Englishman to play for Real Madrid following the likes of Steve McManaman, David Beckham and Michael Owen? No one knows what Bellingham will decide to do. But Jurgen Klopp will feel that Liverpool are the best club to help continue his development to further progress his career. But if Bellingham doesn't end up at Anfield, who do Liverpool turn to sort out their midfield problem?