Liverpool are still battling Real Madrid for the signing of Jude Bellingham but Champions League qualification could be key, according to a new update.

The Lowdown: Bellingham the No.1 target?

The 19-year-old has stood out as the most talked-about Reds transfer target ahead of this summer, having become one of the leading young players in world football.

Bellingham has been endlessly linked with a move to Anfield, with Sky Sports confirming he is their priority target, but they are far from alone in expressing an interest.

These are hugely important months ahead, with the England midfielder expected to leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season.

The Latest: Liverpool vs Madrid

According to AS [via Sport Witness], Liverpool's chances of signing Bellingham could depend on whether or not they secure a top-four finish in the Premier League.

It is a situation that the teenager is thought to be 'aware of' and there are 'constant contacts' between his representatives and the Reds, with the transfer expected to cost at least €100million (£88.3m).

Madrid are the other team leading the race and knocking Liverpool out of the Champions League would further enhance their chances of signing him.

The Verdict: Does Bellingham want Liverpool most?

Bellingham is a player the Reds simply must do all they can to sign this summer, with the 22-time capped England international someone who can be one of the best players in the world for a decade.

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He is the complete package in midfield, despite being so young, scoring ten goals for Dortmund this season and also averaging 2.9 tackles per match for club and country combined.

The top-four issue is clearly a potential threat to Liverpool's hopes of signing Bellingham, but if he truly buys into Jurgen Klopp and the club, it shouldn't matter what competition they are playing in.

Roy Keane has hailed the Dortmund man as a 'superstar' and the Reds signing him could end up feeling as important as the additions of players like Alisson and Virgil van Dijk, in terms of the impact he could have in a key position.