Real Madrid 'make first contact with Jude Bellingham'

Real Madrid have reportedly now made first contact with Jude Bellingham, with the reigning European and Spanish champions determined to win the race for the midfielder's signature this summer.

Bellingham is widely expected to leave Borussia Dortmund in the upcoming window, and Real Madrid have long been seen as one of the favourites alongside Liverpool and Manchester City.

Various reports have claimed that Liverpool remain in pole position for the 19-year-old, with Jurgen Klopp's side said to be confident of bringing him to Anfield in the upcoming market.

However, according to AS, Real Madrid have now made first contact with the teenager and his camp, as Carlo Ancelotti's team look to beat Liverpool to a deal for one of the most highly-rated youngsters in world football.

The report claims that a representative from Los Blancos recently travelled to Germany to meet with the midfielder, his family and his representatives.

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The report claims that Real Madrid are prepared to meet Dortmund's asking price for Bellingham, which is believed to be somewhere in the region of €140m (£123.9m).

BVB are in a strong position when it comes to the midfielder's future, with his contract due to run until the summer of 2025.

There have also been reports surrounding a potential new deal with the German club, which would include a release clause to allow him to depart during next summer's transfer window.

Bellingham has again been in impressive form for his Bundesliga team during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 10 goals and contributing six assists in 33 appearances in all competitions.

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The midfielder has four goals and four assists in 23 Bundesliga appearances this term, while he scored four goals and registered one assist in seven Champions League matches before BVB's elimination.

Real Madrid are currently well-stocked in the middle of their midfield, with Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni all having long careers ahead of them.

However, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Dani Ceballos are out of contract at the end of the campaign, and there remains uncertainty surrounding the futures of the trio.

Modric and Ceballos are ultimately expected to sign extensions, but there have been strong suggestions that Kroos could retire from professional football this summer.

Real Madrid are currently preparing to welcome Liverpool to Bernabeu for the second leg of their last-16 Champions League contest on Wednesday, holding a 5-2 lead from the first leg at Anfield.