Sources: Liverpool lead Chelsea in race to sign Jude Bellingham as his verdict on Stamford Bridge move revealed
Jude Bellingham would prefer to join Liverpool ahead of Chelsea this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
Those with knowledge of the 19-year-old’s situation have suggested that failing to qualify for the Champions League next season will make it hard for any club to sign him in the next window.
It is believed that Liverpool are working behind the scenes to persuade the Borussia Dortmund midfielder to become the linchpin of their midfield rebuild project.
The plan is for Bellingham to become the face of the new-look Reds side with other new arrivals coming in to revamp the ageing midfield – which includes James Milner, 37, Jordan Henderson, 32, and Thiago, 31 as well as Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who are out of contract in the summer.
Chelsea have expressed interest in securing the England star’s signature despite the British-record arrival of midfielder Enzo Fernandez in the January window.
However, the news has been met, sources say, with a lukewarm reaction from Bellingham – who is not currently enthused by the prospect of a Stamford Bridge switch.
It is believed that Liverpool, Real Madrid and Man City remain the frontrunners in the race for his services.
Both Chelsea and Liverpool are currently well adrift of the fight for a top-four Premier League finish this season.
Graham Potter’s side are ten points away in tenth, while Jurgen Klopp’s side are nine points adrift in ninth.
Bellingham captained Dortmund as they defeated Chelsea 1-0 in the Champions League Round of 16 on Wednesday (15 February), while Liverpool face holders Real Madrid next week (21 February).
Both sides can secure European qualification regardless of league position by winning the competition.
Bellingham has more than two years left to run on his current contract at the Westfalenstadion after joining the German giants in 2020.
The 19-year-old has already racked up more than 150 senior club appearances and 22 England caps.
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