Liverpool are showing an interest in signing Jude Bellingham from Birmingham City, as reported by The Daily Star.
What's the story?
Manchester United tried to sign the teenager during the January transfer window, but Birmingham were unwilling to accept anything under £25m.
It is suggested that Barcelona and Real Madrid have sent scouts to watch the England youth international, who is also the subject of interest from various top six clubs.
This has done nothing to put off Premier League leaders Liverpool, who have made a sudden arrival in the battle to secure the midfielder’s signature, with the report suggesting it would take a fee of £30m plus to take him from St. Andrew’s.
Old Trafford had seemed to be the most likely destination for Bellingham, but Liverpool’s interest may be enough to lure him away from their rivals and divert him towards Anfield.
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Exciting talent
A Championship youngster won’t be linked with this calibre of clubs without showing that they have talent, and Bellingham has done that.
He has started 23 league games this campaign, making a further seven substitute appearances, in which he has scored four goals and assisted two.
This is encouraging considering he is just 16 years old, with his statistics in general play hinting that he can be nurtured into a star player.
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He averages 0.7 key passes and 1.1 dribbles per game, while also making 2.2 tackles, 0.7 interceptions and 1 clearance.
All of the above statistics show the impact he can have both when the team has the ball and during the time they are out of possession, which will be of delight to Jurgen Klopp.
Considering that, if Liverpool are able to bring Bellingham to Anfield, he could prove to be a brilliant acquisition for the club – while there will also be the added satisfaction of pipping United to the signing.
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