Liverpool 'leading Jude Bellingham race'

Liverpool are reportedly leading the race to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.

The 18-year-old only made the move to the Westfalenstadion from Birmingham City last summer and has gone from strength to strength in the Bundesliga.

The England international is under contract at BVB until the summer of 2025, but a number of top Premier League sides are thought to be keen to bring him back to his homeland.

According to The Mirror, Liverpool are at the head of the queue for Bellingham's signature and are aiming to take advantage of their rivals' battle for Erling Braut Haaland.

The report adds that it may take up to £90m to prise Bellingham away from Dortmund, but Jurgen Klopp is not put off by the German side's asking price.

Bellingham boasts three goals and eight assists from 21 games in all competitions this term and was recently hit with a €40,000 (£34,000) fine for comments made towards Der Klassiker referee Felix Zwayer.