Liverpool knocked by ‘big’ Jude Bellingham blow after source’s reveal – pundit
Frank McAvennie has suggested the “lure” of Real Madrid could be “too much” for Liverpool target Jude Bellingham.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former West Ham striker said the Reds need to show Bellingham that they are willing to “fight” for his signature.
On 18 March, sources told this site that Anfield is the 19-year-old’s first-choice destination if he leaves Borussia Dortmund this summer but Real Madrid remain firmly in the race.
The German club have opened talks with the England international whose current contract expires in 2025.
Bellingham is said to be still undecided over whether he wants to quit in the summer.
According to Spanish outlet Sport (13 March), the La Liga giants are willing to pay £88million plus £35m in add-ons to secure the midfielder’s signature this summer.
McAvennie urged Liverpool to pay up for Bellingham.
“I think they have got to get Bellingham,” he told Football Insider.
“Fabinho in the midfield looks like an old man and he is not. They have just not got the replacements to leave him out and bring in a like for like.
“Thiago [Alcantara] is a big, big miss when he is not playing.
“Why would they not want to go and get Bellingham? He is a Liverpool supporter but the lure of Real Madrid might be too much.
“Unless they show an interest he will go to Madrid. They have got to show their cards and say that they want him. They have to let him know that they are going to fight for him and that might sway him.“
In other news, according to sources, talks breakthrough as £45m Liverpool payout on the cards.