Frustration for Man City and Liverpool with Real Madrid set to win race for £100 million player

Liverpool welcome Fulham to Anfield on Wednesday with a victory needed to keep alive any hopes of finishing in the Premier League’s top four this season. 

At present, The Reds sit fifth, seven points behind fourth-placed Manchester United.

Jurgen Klopp’s side therefore face failure to qualify for the Champions League next term and could instead have to settle for a place in the Europa League.

Now, it appears that Liverpool could be dealt yet another blow as one of their top transfer targets is set to join a Spanish side.

According to 90min, Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham is closing in on a move to Champions League holders Real Madrid.

The England international has been heavily linked with both Liverpool and Manchester City in recent months, although it had also been suggested that The Reds were to look elsewhere as they couldn’t afford a move for Bellingham.

The 19-year-old has established himself as one of Europe’s best central midfielders in recent seasons, having joined Dortmund from Championship club Birmingham City in 2020.

Bellingham looks set to join Spanish side Real Madrid

Since his move, the teenager has made 130 appearances for the German side and captained the club on a number of occasions.

He has scored 21 goals for his current side, and also registered 25 assists across all competitions.

Liverpool are set to be in the market for midfield reinforcements this summer, with James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all set to leave Anfield when their respective contracts expire at the end of the season.

City, meanwhile, could lose Ilkay Gundogan this summer, with the Germany international’s contract set to expire.

Bellingham is said to be close to joining Real following talks between the player’s father and the club’s scouts over the weekend.

Despite an agreement reportedly being close, the report claims that Dortmund will demand more than the £135 million that Barcelona paid to sign Ousmane Dembele from them in 2017.