Real Madrid ready to rival Liverpool for ANOTHER new signing compared to Jude Bellingham

Real Madrid are set to rival Liverpool for yet another player in Riccardo Calafiori. It’s been a recurring theme over the last few years.

Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Real Madrid are in the mix for Riccardo Calafiori. Bologna's Italian centre-back is generating a lot of hype at the moment, with a move away from the club expected after a stellar season.

And now it's suggested that Real Madrid could make him the latest in a long line of future-proof signings. The outlet mentions two made in recent years: Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga.

Los Blancos have thrived on such signings, boosting their squad for the long-term with some of the most talented young players around. Calafiori fits into that bracket, even if at 22, he's marginally older than they've been signing.

Liverpool, who have also been linked with the defender, have another fight on their hands, then. It's the same old story.

Liverpool vs Real Madrid for Riccardo Calafiori

Now, these are far from the only two clubs chasing Calafiori. Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, for instance, are both mentioned by Gazzetta.

But Liverpool have found Real Madrid in their way for years now. Rodrygo Goes, Camavinga, Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, Kylian Mbappe, and Leny Yoro are just a few of the names heavily linked with the Reds, only to choose Madrid.

Calafiori could well find himself on that list, but it would feel like a bit of a strange move. Real have a lot of players on their books and the Italian doesn't feel like a natural first-choice for them.

Liverpool, on the other hand, have an open spot at centre-back after Joel Matip's exit. Calafiori would fit that spot perfectly - and be in line as Virgil van Dijk's successor.

We do think Liverpool can win this race, then, if they ultimately decide to pursue Calafiori. The next few weeks could be key.