Liverpool and Chelsea both made moves to sign Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Bellingham a wanted man

The 19-year-old is arguably one of the most sought-after young players in world football currently, his £72m Transfermarkt value the joint-highest of any teenager in the sport.

Bellingham has been constantly linked with a move to Liverpool this summer, with those links showing no sign of letting up, although for now he has remained for Dortmund for another season ahead of a possible exit next year.

Romano has since made an interesting claim regarding the Reds' pursuit of the midfielder in recent weeks.

The Latest: Romano makes Bellingham claim

Speaking to Caught Offside, the Italian claimed that both Liverpool and Chelsea attempted to sign Bellingham this summer, but to no avail.

Dortmund had never considered allowing the England international to depart, but Romano expects that numerous clubs will be in the race to sign the youngster next summer, if his current employers sanction a departure.

The Premier League duo's attentions will duly turn to snapping up Bellingham in 2023, in what could be a fierce battle for his signature.

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The Verdict: Matter of time?

Liverpool and Bellingham feels like a match made in heaven, given the Reds' current midfield travails; and while it won't be easy for the Merseyside club to get him next summer given that it may require a nine-figure transfer fee, they ought to be in a strong position to acquire his signature considering their success under a former Dortmund manager in Jurgen Klopp.

The teenager is an all-round midfield colossus who possesses a strong physique, technical brilliance and versatility, having been described as 'fantastic' by Jordan Henderson.

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At the age of 19, he already ranks in the top 5% among midfielders in Europe's major leagues for assists, dribbles, touches in the opposition penalty area and progressive passes received, marking him out as someone who constantly seeks to get on the ball and make an impact in the final third.

Bellingham would not only be a long-term signing but also a key player straight away, ironically likely to take Henderson's place in the team and forging great relationships with the likes of Fabinho, Thiago and Harvey Elliott. He must be Liverpool's main transfer target at the end of the season.