Liverpool ‘cool interest’ in Bellingham as Klopp establishes priority

Bellingham is widely expected to leave BVB this summer after three seasons in the Bundesliga. A host of top European sides are queueing up to sign the 19-year-old, who has discovered his scoring touch this campaign with 10 goals in all competitions.

Liverpool may not be among them, however, as The Times claim that Klopp and co have decided they cannot justify spending such a large sum on one player. Dortmund are set to demand around £130million for his signature and the Reds need a wave of new signings to support the manager’s rebuild.

Compared to their rivals, the Reds have spent relatively modestly in recent transfer windows. Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) are thought to be seeking out new investment but it is unclear whether that will arrive before the summer.

Among the cheaper options in Liverpool’s crosshairs is Mount, who is reportedly weighing up his future as his Chelsea contract winds down. Reports indicate that the Blues have shelved efforts to negotiate a new contract for the England international until the summer.

If he decides to leave Stamford Bridge, he will supposedly be the ‘centre of attention’ for Klopp, who could snap up a good-value deal as Mount approaches the final 12 months of his Chelsea deal.

Klopp and Liverpool’s recruitment team have supposedly drafted up a more extensive list of targets as they prepare for a midfield exodus this summer, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner, Naby Keita and Arthur Melo all set to depart.

Mount’s Chelsea team-mate, Conor Gallagher, has reportedly made the shortlist, along with Brighton stars Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo, Bayern Munich youngster Ryan Gravenberch, Wolves’ Matheus Nunes and soon-to-be free agent Youri Tielemans.