Christian Falk evaluates Liverpool chances of signing Real Madrid target Jude Bellingham

Christian Falk believes the race to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham is very much open as Liverpool and Real Madrid prepare to battle it out to snap up the gifted England international this summer.

Speaking to Caught Offside, as cited by Anfield Watch's Twitter account, Falk evaluated Liverpool's chances of signing the 19-year-old and claimed that Real Madrid are in dialogue with the Dortmund midfielder's father Mark, who also serves as his agent.

“Jude Bellingham’s father is speaking to Real Madrid and he has met with the Spanish outfit. This hasn’t just taken place in London, as has been reported, but also the week before in the Spanish capital.

"The important thing is that Jude himself has not yet made a decision and there’s still yet to be talks with Dortmund. Liverpool are still in the running.

"Though, it’s important to note that if Real are serious and the Reds aren’t ready to make a good offer soon, it will become an increasingly difficult situation for the latter. Jürgen Klopp has already admitted to himself: when it comes to money, Jude doesn’t stand a chance. That all being said, Bellingham isn’t motivated solely by money.”

ANFIELD WATCH VERDICT

Bellingham is one of the most sought-after players in world football and will likely cost over £100m. Liverpool haven't been renowned for paying exorbitant transfer fees over the years, but the 19-year-old has been on the club's radar for many years now and everything points to the fact that the Reds will stump up the cash if the player indicates his desire to move to Anfield.

That said, the lure of Real Madrid is not to be taken lightly, with the La Liga giants also on the lookout for midfield reinforcements as Toni Kroos and Luka Modric aren't getting any younger. As mentioned by Falk, if it comes down to just money, Liverpool don't really stand a chance. However, Bellingham could be tempted by the lure of English football and the chance to become Jurgen Klopp's midfield lynchpin for years to come as the German looks to revitalize his engine room and build another great Liverpool team.