Liverpool reportedly want a midfielder that Pennant likened to Gerrard in 2020

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Liverpool are reportedly battling Chelsea in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund and England midfielder Jude Bellingham ahead of the summer window – a player that Jermaine Pennant likened to Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard just last year.

Bellingham, 17, joined Dortmund last summer having impressed in the second tier of English football with Birmingham City. The teenager was expected to get a handful of games for Dortmund, and there was even talk of going on loan.

But he has been a key part of Dortmund’s side – clocking up 40 appearances in all competitions, having a hand in seven goals this season, including an effort against Manchester City in the Champions League. His performances have caught the eye.

Eurosport say that Chelsea and Liverpool are interested in making a move for Bellingham, who has even earned two England caps and is a potential call-up for Euro 2021. He is rated at £100million, and Pennant’s comments from 2020 will excite fans.

“He’s a fantastic player,” Pennant told TalkSPORT in 2020. “He reminds me of a young Steven Gerrard. He throws himself about, he can get up and down the pitch, he can score goals and assist goals, he’s got trickery. He’s a fantastic young player.

“I’m surprised there are not more teams interested in him than just Chelsea and Manchester United because he is a really special talent,” Pennant continued, with United linked 12 months ago. “What he can achieve in his career is frightening.“

TBR’s view – Bellingham would be perfect addition for Liverpool

Pennant’s comments are bang on. The £56,000-a-week star (ESPN) scores goals, he creates goals but his stamina and his work rate allows him to be just as effective in a defensive sense. He reads the game, his passing is excellent – and he is aged just 17.

Has he proved he can do it at the top level? Most definitely. Is he worth £100million? Probably, given that he could provide Liverpool with a midfield heartbeat for the next 15 years and even longer. If Liverpool have a chance, they need to sign him.