Liverpool make shock u-turn on move for England star

Liverpool will be looking to end a winless run of five matches when they travel to face Leeds United at Elland Road on Monday. 

Jurgen Klopp’s side haven’t won in any competition since cruising to a shock 7-0 win over rivals Manchester United at the start of March, and the German will be hoping to change his side’s fortunes on Monday evening.

Leeds, meanwhile, were thrown back into relegation contention last weekend as they suffered a shock 5-1 defeat against Crystal Palace.

Regardless of whether or not Liverpool qualify for Europe next season, it appears that those in charge of the club will look to rebuild Klopp’s squad over the summer.

The likes of James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are all set to be out of contract at the end of the season and face uncertain futures, while several names continue to be linked with a move to Anfield.

Until recently, Jude Bellingham had been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool, until the club decided last week that they would not pursue a move for the midfielder.

Now, though, it appears that the Merseyside club have changed their stance on the player.

Bellingham could still remain in Germany for another season

As per Football Insider, The Reds are prepared to re-enter the race to sign Bellingham next summer, rather than during the upcoming transfer window.

After internal talks, Liverpool had decided that the fee Bellingham would cost – likely more than £100 million – isn’t viable this summer and would be better spent on a number of players.

That left rivals Manchester City and Spanish giants Real Madrid as the leading contenders to land the England international, but the player does also have the option to extend his stay in Germany.

If he does stay put for at least another 12 months, Liverpool will re-enter the race to land the midfielder in the summer of 2024, when Bellingham would have just one year remaining on his current deal.

Bellingham, 19, has established himself as one of the world’s best midfielders over the past 18 months.

The Englishman joined Dortmund from boyhood club Birmingham City in 2020 and has since made more than 125 appearances for the Bundesliga club.

Liverpool would hope to qualify for the Champions League next season, which they believe would put them in a stronger negotiating position for a move for Bellingham in 2024.