Man City ‘confident of winning race for Jude Bellingham’ over Liverpool, Real; Arsenal, Man Utd

Manchester City are reportedly becoming increasingly confident of winning the race to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham during next summer’s transfer window.

The 19-year-old was on many clubs’ radars before the World Cup but his performances in Qatar have solidified the view that he will become the best midfielder in world football.

Manchester United and Chelsea continue to be credited with an interest, but it is believed that Real Madrid and Liverpool are at the head of the queue for his services.

A recent report claimed that Real Madrid were confident of securing the England international’s signature next year, while Liverpool remain in the hunt for the former Birmingham City youngster.

However, according to The Sun, Man City believe that they are in a strong position to sign the central midfielder next year.

The report claims that the Citizens are confident that the presence of Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium will convince Bellingham to make the move to the English champions.

When asked about a possible January move for Bellingham, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp told reporters: “I’m the wrong person to ask about whether Jude is available in January.

“The January window? We are looking and if something happens, we’ll see. From a sports side, we are always prepared.”

Bellingham was in strong form for England at the 2022 World Cup, making five appearances at the competition, scoring once and providing one assist.

The midfielder has also starred for Dortmund during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring nine goals and registering three assists in 22 appearances in all competitions.

Bellingham has three goals and two assists in 15 Bundesliga appearances this season, while he netted four goals and registered one assist in five Champions League group-stage matches.

The teenager has also captained BVB twice this term, wearing the armband against Koln in the Bundesliga on October 1 before also skippering the side against Sevilla in the Champions League four days later.

There have been suggestions that Dortmund want as much as £130m for Bellingham, although it is understood that a deal could potentially be done for around £83m if all of the money is paid up front.

Man City could lose Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer next year, while there remains speculation surrounding the future of Bernardo Silva, so at least one new central midfielder is expected to be signed by Guardiola’s team next year.