Jurgen Klopp's 2023 Liverpool transfer priority threatened by Real Madrid

Real Madrid are set to rival Liverpool next summer in the race to secure the signature of Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham.

The 18-year-old is one of the most exciting young players in world football and his terrific performances in the Bundesliga have earned him plenty of suitors. Numerous sides have been linked with bringing Bellingham back to England, having left Birmingham in 2020.

However, he looks set to remain in Germany for another campaign and will be keen to be a part of Gareth Southgate’s plans for the Qatar World Cup. And next summer, Liverpool are planning to try to sign the playmaker.

As we previously revealed, Jurgen Klopp has decided not to sign a midfielder this summer in favour of targeting Bellingham in 2023. However, AS has reported that Real Madrid also have the same plans and feel that he would be the final piece to their midfield puzzle in the long term.

The Santiago Bernabeu outfit signed Aurelien Tchouameni from under the noses of Liverpool earlier this window in a deal worth £60m, which led Klopp to hatch his Bellingham plan. However, Madrid want to acquire the services of the teenage prospect so that they have what is likely to be the best midfield in world football for the future – with Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde already at the club.

Dortmund have already sold one top star this summer, Erling Haaland, and do not want to lose two of their best-performing stars in the same window, nor do they need to financially. Haaland joined Manchester City in a deal worth £51million, making Pep Guardiola’s side firm favourites to retain the Premier League next season and also finally lift the Champions League.

In the short term, Klopp will certainly feel that he has enough depth in