Gary Neville unnerved by how close “breathtaking” World Cup star and Liverpool target is to Jordan Henderson

Gary Neville is unnerved by Jude Bellingham’s close relationship with Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, amid talk the England star could move to the Reds.

The 19-year-old has been the star of England’s World Cup campaign and put in a talismanic display as the Three Lions dispatched Senegal 4-0 in their round of 16 fixture at the Al Bayt stadium.

The Birmingham-born midfielder set up Henderson for England's opener against the AFCON champions, and in doing so became the first teenager to assist in a World Cup knockout stage game since at least 1966, which is as far as Opta’s data goes.

The Liverpool captain could not speak highly enough of Bellingham after the knockout encounter. Henderson told BBC Sport: "I can't keep saying nice things about him because we're talking about a one-off. He's only young and we just need to let him play football - but he is incredible."

Bellingham has become one of the most highly sought-after midfielders in world football. The Borussia Dortmund star has been linked with moves to Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and La Liga giants Real Madrid.

Liverpool with the upper hand

Former Man Utd captain Neville claimed he was unnerved by the closeness of Bellingham and Henderson while on international duty, and suggested that it could give the Reds the upper hand in a move for the teenager.

Bellingham has been pictured alongside Reds captain and Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold throughout England’s time in Qatar, sparking speculation the player could move to Merseyside.

Neville described Bellingham as “breathtaking” and told Sky Sports: “The whole thing unnerves me.

I was in the camp 15 years ago. I used to get close to [Wayne] Rooney, close to Rio Ferdinand. All those players you thought you could just grab.

“And now you see [Manchester City’s] Phil Foden next to Jude Bellingham. You see Trent Alexander-Arnold going for a walk with him. You see Jordan Henderson cuddling up to him at the end of the game.

“I’m thinking, you sneaky little sods. I know what you’re trying to do you lot. But that’s the reality of it at this moment in time.

“He’s more likely to go to Liverpool or Manchester City just because of where they’re at and what they’re doing.

“But you can’t rule out one of the big European clubs either, and you certainly can’t rule out what Chelsea or Man Utd might try and do financially to wrestle him away.”