Liverpool are preparing to make a big-money signing in January, with Jude Bellingham identified as FSG’s number one target, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: January preparations underway

The Premier League outfit spent just over £80m this summer by bringing in Darwin Nunez, Fabio Carvalho, Calvin Ramsay and Arthur Melo on loan, but this hasn’t stopped them from beginning preparations for the New Year.

The Merseyside outfit are soon expected to announce club-record revenues for last season, bringing in over £550m, which could leave an extraordinary profit to put partially towards future transfer funds.

The Latest: Liverpool set sights on Bellingham

According to Football Insider, Liverpool have ‘set aside cash’ to make a ‘huge-money January signing’, with FSG willing to fund an ‘A-list acquisition’ if the right player is sourced by Julian Ward and co.

It’s claimed that Bellingham has been identified as a ‘top target’, with the Reds ‘already laying the groundwork’ for what has the potential to be a ‘club-record’ deal.

The report states that Jurgen Klopp’s side will face ‘extensive competition’ for his signature though, with the race set to ‘hot up even further’ if his impressive form continues.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Liverpool have held a long-standing interest in Bellingham for quite some time now so it’s no surprise to learn that he is the man they are targeting, and it’s a deal that they should look at completing as soon as possible.

The midfielder currently averages 2.9 dribbles and 2.6 shots per Bundesliga game (WhoScored), highlighting his creative spark in the final third, an attribute that Klopp would love to inject into his midfield.

Bellingham’s valuation is believed to be £83m in 2023, so financially it should be a straightforward deal to get over the line given the club’s imminent boost, whether this be in the New Year or next summer.