Liverpool are still “optimistic” they can sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham despite their league position, according to reports.
The Reds have had a terrible first half of the season with Jurgen Klopp’s side finding themselves in ninth position in the Premier League table after losing 3-0 to Brighton over the weekend.
They are currently ten points off fourth-placed Newcastle United and, without Champions League football, then surely Liverpool would find it harder to convince Bellingham to join.
Liverpool are still competing in the Champions League and FA Cup this season and Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg insists that Liverpool have a “feeling” that Bellingham is “keen” to join in the summer.
“There have been no personal talks between Klopp and Bellingham yet,” Plettenberg told Sky Sports Germany.
“The talks so far have been done by others from the club with the Bellingham side. They want him and they still have the feeling that it could work out and that Bellingham is keen on Liverpool.”
In a tweet similar to his quotes on Sky Germany, Plettenberg added: “Liverpool bosses are still optimistic to sign him in summer. Talks took place but important to say: He hasn’t yet spoken personally to Klopp so far. And there is no official offer. Liverpool offers him the possibility to become the new Steven Gerrard.”
Spanish publication Nacional claimed yesterday that there has been a ‘new script twist’ in the race for Bellingham after the German club confirmed it ‘does not have any firm offer, nor open negotiations, with any team’ for the England international.
The Borussia Dortmund midfielder ‘has not yet shown his intention to change scenery’ and the Bundesliga outfit could now attempt to keep him for at least another season.
Real Madrid, who Nacional focus their attention on, are hoping that Bellingham ‘will take the first step’ and make it clear that he wants to leave Dortmund with the report adding that Los Blancos ‘will not sit down to negotiate with anyone’ until that happens.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher would like to see the Reds go for a more defensive midfielder as well as Bellingham in the summer.
“There’s talk of looking to bring in Jude Bellingham, why wouldn’t you, he’s a great player but they also need another midfielder to help them defensively,” Carragher said.
“Bellingham is a midfielder who likes to get forward, score goals and assists and it would be fantastic if Liverpool could get him but they need a Wijnaldum figure to come in in the summer.”
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