Liverpool will 'throw everything' at signing £130m star at Anfield | OneFootball

Liverpool consider themselves to be 'one of the frontrunners' to land Jude Bellingham and they will 'throw everything' at trying to lure the Borussia Dortmund star to Anfield, CBS reporter Ben Jacobs has told GiveMeSport.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp bolstered his squad by completing the £44million signing of Cody Gakpo ahead of the January transfer window, but he will be handed another opportunity to strengthen his squad in the summer.

Liverpool transfer news - Jude Bellingham

According to Sky in Germany, via Sky Sports, Liverpool remain the favourites to swoop for Bellingham ahead of next season.

The report suggests the Merseyside giants are ahead of Real Madrid and Manchester City in the race for the central midfielder's signature.

But the trio of clubs are now facing even more competition as Newcastle United and Manchester United are also in the hunt to strike a deal, while Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are no longer in the running to meet Dortmund's demands as they are set to demand at least £130million for Bellingham.

It has emerged that Liverpool are attempting to generate the funds for the England international by selling a number of their fringe players in the summer transfer window.

Respected journalist Pete O'Rourke recently told GiveMeSport that the Reds are playing a dangerous game by setting their sights on signing Bellingham and not attempting to bring in an alternative central midfielder last month.

What has Ben Jacobs said about Bellingham?

Jacobs understands Liverpool feel they are among the leading contenders to sign Bellingham when the transfer window reopens.

The journalist is expecting Fenway Sports Group to stump up the cash and do all they can to tempt Dortmund into doing business.

Jacobs told GiveMeSport: "Jude Bellingham is there for Liverpool and they consider themselves to be one of the frontrunners.

"I don't think we can rule out Manchester City more seriously entering the race over the coming weeks. They're later to the process than Liverpool or Real Madrid, but those are the three main contenders.

"If Liverpool have their way, we know that Bellingham is a top target, so I do expect them to throw everything at it."

Would Bellingham be a marquee signing for Liverpool?

There is no doubt that Bellingham would be an upgrade on Liverpool's current options as, according to FBref, he has averaged more goals, assists and shots on target than Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Naby Keita per 90 minutes this season.

'world-class' and 'unbelievable', further emphasising that Klopp should not think twice about attempting to get a deal over the line.

Bellingham has racked up more than 40 goal contributions over the course of his Dortmund career, but he also contributes defensively.

Sofascore statistics show the 19-year-old averaged 3.2 tackles per outing during the 2022 World Cup.

WhoScored average match rating than Bellingham's 7.58 and he would be an exciting addition to Liverpool's squad.