Liverpool 'will be right in the mix' to win the fight for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham but the competition is 'serious'.

The Reds haven't made any midfield additions in the current transfer window but they have been endlessly linked with a move for Bellingham.

The 19-year-old is seemingly staying put at Dortmund for another season due to their reluctance to sell two star players in one window, and it looks likely that there will then be a huge battle for his signature in 2023.

Liverpool are clearly one of those teams who see him as a primary transfer target though, as a new update proves.

The Latest: Pearce provides update

Writing in a Q&A for The Athletic on Monday, Pearce confirmed that the Reds are indeed going to be 'right in the mix' to sign Bellingham, but reinforced that it won't be easy to get their man:

"I don't think signing Bellingham is a given. There will be serious competition but LFC will be right in the mix. We know Klopp rates him very highly. We also know that Henderson gets on very well with him. But there are no guarantees."

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The Verdict: Midfielder needed now

While Bellingham would be an outstanding signing next summer - one that needs to get done, given his long-term potential and reputation as a 'fantastic' player - a new midfielder also has to come in before deadline day this year.

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Liverpool produced a hapless showing in their 2-1 defeat away to Manchester United on Monday night, with Jordan Henderson and James Milner struggling to control matters and looking their age. With Thiago, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain injured, there really is a dearth of options and it is showing.

Failure to sign a new midfielder in the next week or so would be negligent by Jurgen Klopp, the recruitment team and owners FSG - if they don't address the issue, a long season could lie ahead.