Liverpool have been dealt a possible blow in their attempts to sign Jude Bellingham, with journalist Graeme Bailey claiming that the 19-year-old could stay at Borussia Dortmund.
The Lowdown: Bellingham on the move?
The Englishman has again stood out for Dortmund this season, scoring four goals in the Champions League, excelling in his all-round game and being called a 'generational' talent by journalist Raphael Honigstein.
Bellingham's future continues to be a huge talking point and Liverpool have long been linked with an audacious move for the 19-year-old, along with many other clubs.
However, a fresh update suggests that those keen on signing the midfielder could have to wait another while longer to get their man.
The Latest: Bellingham could stay at Dortmund
Taking to Twitter in sharing a corresponding article for 90min, Bailey claimed that Dortmund are increasingly confident of keeping Bellingham beyond 2023, even though he has largely been expected to leave at that point.
The reporter tweeted:
"Understand that Borussia Dortmund remain confident that they can keep Jude Bellingham at the club beyond the end of this season."
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The Verdict: Would be a big surprise
It has almost felt like a given that Bellingham would leave Dortmund at the end of the season, so this update will come as a potential blow to Liverpool and other prospective suitors such as Manchester City and Real Madrid.
That being said, it would seem still a big surprise if the England international decides to stay on at Dortmund, with next summer surely the right time for him to enjoy a fresh challenge at an even bigger and more successful club.
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Liverpool need to keep working hard on a deal for Bellingham - their focus should be on him over anyone else - with the teenager someone whose energy, quality and general influence could transform the Reds' ageing and injury-plagued midfield.