Pundit issues emphatic Liverpool claim after journalist's Jude Bellingham transfer update
Alan Hutton has suggested Jude Bellingham will turn down a move to Liverpool if the club do not make the top four this season.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Tottenham and Aston Villa defender said the Reds will need to convince the 19-year-old that he will be a "key factor" in the club's rebuild.
Earlier this month (1 October), sources told this site that Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold urged the midfielder to move to Anfield next year.
The Merseysiders have held extensive talks behind the scenes with the player's representatives and are confident they have laid the groundwork for a potential deal next year.
According to journalist Kevin Hatchard (25 October), Bellingham has "no firm plans" at this stage and staying at Borussia Dortmund is still an option.
The England international has three years remaining on his contract.
Liverpool are currently 8th in the Premier League with 16 points from 11 games.
When asked if Bellingham would be put off a move if the Reds finish outside the top four this season, Hutton told Football Insider: "Possibly.
"If you look at what Jude Bellingham is doing this season, it is incredible for somebody so young. In the Champions League, in the league, scoring goals, being the captain.
"He is probably going to have the pick of the top teams. Especially if he has a good World Cup.
"I think it is probably a player that Liverpool will be desperate to get. I think Bellingham as a person will know that Liverpool are a great team with a great manager and history.
"It might be a part of a rebuild and he is the key factor. So it is about trying to get that across to him and hopefully he buys into that plan. Of course it is going to be difficult because everybody is going to be after him."