Bellingham is Klopp’s ‘top target’ in record Liverpool transfer

Jude Bellingham is now reportedly Jurgen Klopp’s ‘top target’ for Liverpool in a deal which could break the club’s record transfer.

The Reds failed to replace Georginio Wijnaldum, who moved to Paris Saint-Germain this summer, and despite Klopp insisting there is “no gap” in the heart of his midfield, he has set his sights on Bellingham.

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That’s according to the Daily Star, who claim Klopp has pinpointed the Borussia Dortmund star as his primary target to fill the void that doesn’t exist…

The report claims Liverpool are prepared to pay a club-record £80m fee for the 18-year-old, who continues to shine for club and country.

Bellingham rejected a move to United in the summer of 2020, in favour of joining Dortmund in a £25m deal.

The former Birmingham City star is said to be happy at Dortmund and will not force through a move to the Premier League, but also knows his long term future will be back in England.

United are still in the frame and Chelsea have also shown an interest, but the report claims Liverpool are now ahead of their rivals in the race for his signature.

Bellingham is currently on international duty and impressed from the start in the 4-0 win over Andorra on Sunday.

The teenager was racially abused as he warmed up against Hungary in the preceding game and England boss Gareth Southgate said he showed “great maturity” in how he dealt with the situation.

“[Bellingham] shouldn’t have to suffer that,” Southgate added.

“It’s fantastic from him that he’s shown that maturity and I know our security guys have spoken to him since the game to get his account of that. We don’t want to see it. Everyone knows it’s not acceptable. He’s shown great maturity in how he’s dealt with it.

“[FIFA] have taken this fixture really seriously, they’re taking accounts on everything. I’m not really across all of the process of that [whether the FA would make a complaint]. I’m sure [FIFA] will gather evidence from different sources.”