Jürgen Klopp can be Liverpool ace card in Jude Bellingham race as next transfer twist is claimed

The Jude Bellingham story is shaping up to be another marathon-esque saga, no doubt full of twists and turns between now and next summer.

The England international is one of the hottest prospects in the club game, and there is no shortage of clubs lining outside Borussia Dortmund’s door waiting to sign him.

Liverpool have been connected with Bellingham for what seems like an eternity now, and the rumours and whispers are only likely to ramp up the closer we get to the end of the season.

Liverpool have been connected with Bellingham for what seems like an eternity now, and the rumours and whispers are only likely to ramp up the closer we get to the end of the season.

Clubs in the shape of Real Madrid, Manchester City and Manchester United will be in the running to try and tempt Bellingham. According to Spanish paper Marca, the reigning European champions intend to do to Liverpool next summer what they did last, in stealing a top target.

Liverpool wanted Aurélien Tchouaméni last summer, but the Reds were outbid by Madrid, the side who beat them in the final of the Champions League mere weeks earlier, who eventually bought the midfielder in an £85m deal.

Madrid seemingly want to repeat that trick again next summer with Bellingham, but things are a little different with the Englishman this time around. Liverpool have an ace up their sleeve in Jürgen Klopp, and no doubt the club will fully intend to use it.

The Athletic have reported recently that Dortmund value Bellingham at around the £131m mark, an eye-watering amount of money. However, given Klopp’s close ties to Dortmund, Liverpool could be hopeful of bringing that figure down.