Real Madrid have opened negotiations over a potential mega move for Borussia Dortmund and England star Jude Bellingham.
Bellingham, who came through the Birmingham City academy, has quickly matured into one of the most exciting midfielders in world football.
The 18-year-old has churned in a series of impressive all-action displays for Dortmund and has also cemented himself as a permanent fixture in Gareth Southgate's England squads.
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Bellingham, Dortmund's youngest ever goalscorer, is expected to leave the Bundesliga outfit in the next year and a slew of leading European clubs are waiting in the wings.
But while many might think Bellingham is set for a return to England, it seems another adventure abroad could be on the cards.
According to Francisco Jose Delgado from Cadena Ser, Bellingham is a top target for Real and the 14-time European champions believe they can get him for a fee of €90 million in the summer of 2023.
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That timeframe would work out perfectly for Los Blancos as they would not be able to register Bellingham until Vinicius Jr receives a Spanish passport.
Real have currently filled their quota for non EU players and are waiting for Vinicius, a Brazil international, to qualify as a Spanish citizen.
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The La Liga giants are placing an emphasis on freshening up their midfield options, with the successful trident of Casemiro, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos not getting any younger.
19-year-old Eduardo Camavinga was drafted in last summer and played his part in a double-winning campaign, while the club have also drafted in 22-year-old compatriot Aurelien Tchouameni from Monaco in a deal that could rise to more than €100 million.
Dortmund forked out an initial £25 million for a 17-year-old Bellingham, who stepped out of his comfort zone in July 2020.
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He signed a contract extension last year, tying him down until June 30 2025.
If Bellingham was to make the switch to Real, he would follow in the footsteps of countrymen Steve McManaman, David Beckham, Jonathan Woodgate and Michael Owen.
Topics: Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Jude Bellingham, England, Birmingham City