Liverpool now plot bid for "scary" £101m machine, he could be better than Thiago - opinion

Liverpool are plotting a summer move for highly-rated young midfielder Jude Bellingham.

According to reports in Spain, both the Reds and their rivals Manchester City are interested in signing the English midfielder who is currently playing his trade in Germany at Borussia Dortmund.

The young star has been a target for several top clubs in the past, including Spanish giants Real Madrid, so there should be a huge battle for his signature.

It’s thought Dortmund may value him at a staggering £101m.

Premier League legend Roy Keane has described Bellingham’s potential as “scary”.

The 18-year old would be a perfect new addition to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side who need to plan ahead for the future when the likes of Jordan Henderson and Thiago will become too old.

Bellingham could eventually be a natural successor to Thiago and could be a focal point of the club for years to come.

He has made 85 appearances in all competitions and been involved in 27 goals from midfield since joining from Birmingham City for £22.5m in 2020.

When you look at his possession stats you can see just how much he contributes going forward for Dortmund. He is in the top 3% across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for touches in and carries into the attack penalty area.

His passes into the 18-yard box total 27 so far this season compared to Thiago’s 13.

But as with any Klopp side you have to be willing to work hard and trackback defensively. This is something that Bellingham also has in his locker as proven for both club and country.

The Englishman has made more tackles and blocks than Henderson, Thiago and Fabinho this season, and leads the way for his current club in these categories.

He is also in the top 3% across Europe’s top five leagues