Liverpool handed fresh Bellingham transfer blow as ambitious Real Madrid plan revealed

Real Madrid have made their stance clear on a move for Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham, according to reports - which could prove to be a significant blow to Liverpool.

The Reds remain one of the favourites to sign the 19-year-old this summer, despite uncertainty surrounding Champions League qualification for next season.

Bellingham's contract at Dortmund expires in 2025, and 90min claim that the club are planning on holding talks with the midfielder in March over fresh terms.

The same source reports that the club could decide to sell Bellingham this summer if he turns down any offer, although they are said to be hopeful of convincing him to stay at Signal Iduna Park for another year - much like Erling Haaland did before he joined Manchester City.

If he does choose to stay at the German side for an additional season, it could aid Real Madrid in their ambitious reported plan to bring him to the Bernabeu.

Liverpool given fresh Bellingham blow

According to the Daily Mail, Real Madrid are 'unwilling' to make a move for the 19-year-old this summer - and instead want to seal a move in 2024 instead.

It is claimed that Los Blancos would offer Bellingham a larger salary to join next summer, and are said to not want to reduce the gametime of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos at this stage.

Both players remain key members of Carlo Ancelotti's squad, with Modric, 37, producing a typically classy display in the 5-2 win over Liverpool at Anfield last month.

Real also have a number of top young midfield stars emerging, with Aurelien Tchouameni quickly establishing himself as an important player since arriving from Monaco last summer. His compatriot Eduardo Camavinga, meanwhile, has played a more significant role in recent weeks, and impressed at Anfield.

Spanish outlet AS claimed that Modric wants to stay at the Bernabeu for at least one more season, thus extending his contract which expires this summer.

If the Croatian does then depart, it could enable Real to land Bellingham in a major transfer coup - and get there ahead of Liverpool.