The Telegraph reports that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is now getting worried Manchester City may be able to tempt Jude Bellingham to join them.
Liverpool got off to a disappointing start to the new year as they fell to a 3-1 defeat to Brentford on Monday night.
Klopp’s men had started to find some consistency in the Premier League after winning four games on the bounce.
While Monday’s loss isn’t a significant blow to their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League this season, Liverpool will have to try and recapture their consistency if they want to secure a place in the top-four.
If they miss out, it could damage their chances of landing Borussia Dortmund star Bellingham in the summer. Especially as they look set to battle it out with Pep Guardiola’s side for his signature.
Klopp worried Bellingham will join City
The Telegraph reports that Liverpool will be competing with City to sign Bellingham, as well as every club who are ‘richer than them’ in world football.
The Reds are hoping the youngster and his family view Anfield as the best place for him to continue his development.
But the worry for Klopp is the fact that City can make a better pitch to sign the Englishman in a few months time.
The 19-year-old seems to be their top target ahead of the summer and The Athletic reported on Tuesday that Chelsea believe he will sign for Klopp’s side.
Bellingham is undoubtedly one of the most sought after players in world football right now after his brilliant displays for Dortmund and England.
The youngster looks set to leave Germany this summer but Liverpool will need to ensure they are in the best possible position to sign him.
It seems vital that Klopp’s side secure Champions League qualification if they are going to be able to offer Bellingham terms that will even come close to what City can offer.
Liverpool certainly don’t have the financial muscle to compete with Guardiola’s side but it seems the ‘world-class‘ youngster is keen on a move to Merseyside, with BILD even reporting that Bellingham has decided he wants to move to Anfield.
Much will depend on what position Liverpool find themselves in at the end of the season and whether it’s Bellingham or an alternative midfield target, being able to offer Champions League football will provide them with a massive boost.