Liverpool are reportedly confident of signing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham ahead of next summer and could even snap him up in January.

The Lowdown: Bellingham the top target?

The 19-year-old looks like a special young talent, already becoming an undisputed key player for Dortmund - he was their third-highest rated player in 2021/22 according to WhoScored - and also winning 15 caps for England.

Bellingham has constantly been linked with a move to Liverpool in recent months but he will remain at his current club for the 2022/23 season following Erling Haaland's move to Manchester City.

However, a new update suggests that Liverpool are still looking likely to get their number one target further down the line, perhaps earlier than many would have anticipated.

The Latest: January move mooted

According to Football Insider, the Reds are 'confident' of signing Bellingham, with the report also stating that an agreement could be in place 'within weeks' as the Premier League club work diligently behind the scenes on trying to complete a deal.

Significantly, it is noted that a January move to Anfield hasn't been completely ruled out, even though a summer switch appears the more likely outcome.

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The Verdict: Would be a game-changing addition

This is another encouraging update regarding Bellingham, with Liverpool now looking like the favourites to snap him up in 2023 in what could be an incredible piece of transfer business.

The teenager really does look as though he has the world at his feet, assuming that he suffers no serious injuries, considering that he possesses a remarkable all-round game including technical quality, strength, intelligence and leadership.

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A return of 11 goals and 18 assists in 91 appearances for Dortmund is a testament to the influence that he has already had at such a young age.

With Jordan Henderson now 32 and other players in his position also at a similar age, Bellingham is someone who could be the poster boy for Liverpool's next generation of midfielders, along with the likes of Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho.

Signing him in January, rather than waiting until next summer, could be quite the fillip for the Reds if they can pull it off.