Liverpool have been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of Jude Bellingham, with reports suggesting Manchester City are determined to land the England international.
Bellingham is widely expected to leave Borussia Dortmund next summer and several major clubs around Europe are in the race to sign him.
The 19-year-old further improved his reputation with his stellar performances for England at World Cup 2022.
It has been reported that Liverpool are currently leading the race for the central midfielder, but there is a long way to go until next summer and the saga could take several twists and turns yet.
According to 90min, City are ready to throw their hat into the ring for Bellingham, who does not turn 20 until June.
Now that Pep Guardiola has extended his contract at the Eithad Stadium until 2025, City have turned their attention to the transfer market.
The report states that the Premier League champions would not have entered the race unless they believed they had a strong chance of winning the race for the starlet's signature.
That development will worry Liverpool, who are already competing with the likes of Real Madrid for Bellingham.
City's interest makes it doubly important that Liverpool qualify for next season's edition of the Champions League, as that could be a factor in determining the midfielder's next destination.
Liverpool, who face City in the EFL Cup on Thursday, are currently sixth in the Premier League table ahead of the season's resumption on Boxing Day.
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