Huge blow for Liverpool and Man Utd as European giants believe they've won the race to sign World Cup star

Real Madrid believe they have won the race to sign Jude Bellingham, a new report has claimed.

The Spanish giants are among a group of elite clubs hoping to secure the signature of the Borussia Dortmund midfielder.

Bellingham, 19, has continued to attract interest from across Europe after an impressive World Cup campaign with England.

He is under contract with Dortmund until 2025 but is expected to move clubs in the summer transfer window.

Liverpool were thought to be favourites to sign Bellingham, while the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea have also been linked with the former Birmingham City midfielder.

However, a new report claims Bellingham might snub a return to English football to move to La Liga instead.

Real Madrid confident of signing Bellingham

The Sun claim Real Madrid believe they have won the race to sign the midfielder.

The European and Spanish champions are said to be "increasingly confident" that Bellingham will move to the Bernabeu in the summer window.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is said to be "desperate" to sign the England star, who has already made 22 appearances for his country.

"City feel they are not out of the race and are expected to up their bid to land Bellingham", the report added.

United are believed to be preparing a £200m double bid to sign both Bellingham and Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

Meanwhile, PSG chief executive Nasser Al-Khelaifi recently confirmed that the French giants are monitoring Bellingham ahead of a potential bid.

"What a player," Al-Khelaifi told Sky News.

"Honestly, England are lucky to have him... and he's one of the best players in the tournament. Amazing and you see his first World Cup - calm and relaxed and confident."

He then added: "Everyone wants him. I'm not going to hide it. But I respect he's in his club and, respect if we want to talk to him, we talk to the club first."

Bellingham has kept tight-lipped about his future as the speculation mounts over his next move.

The Sun claim that "wages are not important" for the midfielder and that his only focus is on what would "benefit him football-wise".

That would seemingly play into the hands of Liverpool, who are unlikely to be able to match the financial might of City, PSG, United and Real Madrid.

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