Liverpool lead the race to sign Jude Bellingham next summer and hope to exploit Premier League rivals’ obsession with Borussia Dortmund team-mate Erling Haaland.

Bellingham has previously been courted by Manchester United before moving to Borussia Dortmund in July 2020 for an initial £20million rising to £30m.

But Liverpool are now making plans to bring the teenage midfielder back to the UK after his mature displays for Dortmund and England, who have capped him 10 times.

Top-flight rivals like United, Chelsea and Manchester City are monitoring Dortmund striker Haaland, who has a release clause next year.

But Anfield boss Jurgen Klopp has instead identified Bellingham, 18, to bolster his midfield ranks where his main options include Jordan Henderson, 31, and Fabinho, 28.