adminLIVERPOOL. – Kalvin Phillips’ proposed move to Manchester City leaves Liverpool in pole position to land Jude Bellingham.
However, there is still likely to be a tug-of-war between the Premier League’s big two to land the midfielder next summer.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is a huge fan of the Borussia Dortmund star and has already earmarked him as his top target in 12 months’ time.
But Pep Guardiola is an equally big admirer of the 18-year-old and hopes Bellingham’s friendship with new signing Erling Haaland can sway an eventual deal their way.
The duo sat next to each other in the Dortmund dressing room and the champions hope Haaland can persuade his mate to join him at the Etihad Stadium.
There is growing confidence at Anfield that Man City’s imminent £45 million signing of Leeds ace Phillips means the Reds are favourites to sign Bellingham.
Jurgen Klopp wants to make a striker his marquee transfer this summer and has successfully landed Benfica’s Darwin Nunez for £85million to replace Sadio Mane.
Next summer’s plans are already being drawn up with Bellingham and another central midfielder top of their shopping list.
Liverpool would be able to guarantee him starts.
Meanwhile, Dortmund insist that the England starlet will not be sold in this window.
Yet they are aware it could be hard for them to keep hold of him beyond next season even though they will ask for around £80million.
Manchester United are a distant third in the race for his signature with Erik ten Hag’s transfer plans still being finalised.
Phillips and Rodri are set to compete for the slot in City’s engine room this season.
Phillips’ move is expected to be confirmed this week.
The 26-year-old has been on holiday and attended Leeds captain Liam Cooper’s wedding in Ibiza. – The Sun.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter