Man City 'lead Real Madrid' in Jude Bellingham race and more transfer rumours

Manchester City are leading the race to sign Jude Bellingham this summer after Liverpool cooled their interest, according to reports.

Bellingham has long been considered the most in-demand player across Europe this summer, attracting interest across the continent during an outstanding season for both club and country. The 19-year-old has been Borussia Dortmund's talisman this term as they battle Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title, impressing further with England during the World Cup.

Liverpool have long been considered front-runners for Bellingham, but reports earlier this week suggested they have pulled out of the race as they don't want to blow their summer budget on one player. Real Madrid have also been in contention for some time, but ESPN report that City are growing increasingly confident they can win the race.

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Pep Guardiola is expected to sign at least one central midfielder, with the futures of Ilkay Gundogan - whose contract expires this summer - and Bernardo Silva both uncertain. The report adds that any approach from City will likely cost at least £130million.

Elsewhere, the Evening Standard report that West Ham have identified Kalvin Phillips as a potential successor to Declan Rice. Rice looks set to leave the Hammers this summer after turning down several offers of a new contract.

The England international has made no secret of his desire to compete for major trophies, with a number of top Premier League clubs keen. And with their captain's departure highly likely, David Moyes' side are already making plans to replace him and have identified Rice's Three Lions teammate Phillips as a potential candidate, although no formal offer has been made.