Liverpool transfer target Jude Bellingham remains the apple of Jurgen Klopp's eye ahead of the summer transfer window, according to journalist Paul Joyce.

The Lowdown: Bellingham Liverpool's main target

The Reds' midfield has been a huge problem throughout the 2022/23 season, playing a major role in their struggles across four different competitions.

Too many current options are either too old, too young or too injury-prone, and Klopp was left to play a two-man midfield of Fabinho and James Milner against Real Madrid in midweek.

Summer additions in the middle of the park are absolutely imperative, as well as others, it Liverpool's interest in Bellingham has been a priority for months now.

The 19-year-old has been endlessly linked with a move to Anfield, but with an exit from Borussia Dortmund looking probable this summer, there will be a massive auction for his services.

The likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid could all potentially sign Bellingham, in what could be one of the most important signings for any club in years, given his potential.

Liverpool's attempts to sign the Englishman apparently took a hit this week, but Joyce has provided brighter news....

The Latest: Klopp desperate for move

Writing for The Times, the reliable reporter provided an update on the situation, admitting that Bellingham is still very much Klopp's No.1 transfer target:

"Borussia Dortmund’s teenage tyro remains the apple of Klopp’s eye and the Liverpool manager will believe that with the 19-year-old on board, what has appeared at times as a chasm would narrow overnight.

"He considers Bellingham a transformative figure and that is a vision that Klopp would be keen to share with the England midfielder."

He does state that others inside the club are wary that spending £100million on one player could be a risk, however, in terms of 'putting too many eggs in one basket'.

The Verdict: Simply has to happen

Granted, Bellingham won't solve Liverpool's midfield woes on his own, especially at his age, but missing out on him now would be an enormous body blow.

Thierry Henry recently suggested that the 22-cap England international wants to join the Reds this summer and it does arguably feel as though he is holding out for the Reds, with his father reportedly keen on the move coming to fruition.

Bellingham couldn't be more perfect for this Liverpool team, possessing both technical brilliance and hard work - he has scored ten goals for Dortmund this season and averaged 2.6 tackles per game in the Bundesliga - and he would improve Klopp's men in an instant.

The idea of him joining a rival, having looked like the front-runners for some time now, doesn't bear thinking about for Reds supporters and the hope is that the player himself has made up his mind already.