Liverpool have been handed a boost in their bid to bring Jude Bellingham to the Premier League in the summer transfer window.

What's the talk?

Transfer Focus

That's according to Florian Plettenberg, with the transfer insider revealing in a recent interview with Sky Sports Germany that, while Jurgen Klopp is not yet in personal discussions with the Borussia Dortmund midfielder, Liverpool's hierarchy have been in contact with the 19-year-old and his representatives regarding a potential move to Anfield at the end of the season.

The journalist went on to suggest that the Reds are confident of going on to conclude a deal for the England international - who is reported to have an asking price of £130m including add-ons - while Liverpool bosses also believe that the youngster's preference is a move to Merseyside, despite the interest of Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid.

Regarding Liverpool's talks with Bellingham, Plettenberg said: "There has not yet been a personal conversation between Klopp and Bellingham. The conversations so far have been held by others from the club with the Bellingham side. They want him and they still have the feeling that it could work and that Bellingham wants Liverpool."

A generational talent

Considering the extraordinary ability and scope for future development Bellingham clearly possesses, the argument that Klopp simply must do all he can to land the midfielder this summer is an extremely easy one to make.

Indeed, according to FBref, the £76m-rated talent currently ranks in the top 4% of midfielders in Europe's big five leagues for goals per 90, in addition to the top 9% for xG, the top 14% for shots, the top 17% for assists, the top 20% for xAG - xG which follows a pass that assists a shot - and the top 17% for shot-creating actions - proving just how deadly he is in the final third.

However, FBref also rank the £27k-per-week wonderkid in the top 4% of his positional peers for dribbles completed per 90, as well as the top 6% for touches in the opposition penalty area, the top 8% for progressive passes received and the top 18% for progressive passes played - also highlighting how efficient the midfielder is in possession of the ball.

Furthermore, FBref place the 19-year-old in the top 16% of European midfielders for interceptions per 90, as well as the top 19% for blocks and the top 34% for tackles - demonstrating that the former Birmingham City starlet is equally hard-working in a defensive capacity as he is going forwards.

As such, considering the fact that the player who journalist Wayne Barton dubbed a "generational talent" is very much an all-rounder in the middle of the park, it is easy to see why Plettenberg claimed that Liverpool view the teenager as the "new Steven Gerrard" - as Bellingham undoubtedly possesses the traits and ability to become the club's next talismanic leader.

For this reason, it would indeed appear extremely advisable for Klopp to do all he can to convince the BVB sensation of a switch to Anfield this summer, as Bellingham is undoubtedly worth the £130m fee the Bundesliga side are demanding for his services.