Chelsea are reportedly the latest club to join Liverpool and Manchester United in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.
The 19-year-old has elevated his game to new heights since joining the Bundesliga club from Birmingham City in 2020, and he has emerged as one of the brightest young prospects in Europe.
Bellingham has made 99 appearances across all competitions for BVB, recording 13 goals and 18 assists including a strike in the 2-1 defeat against Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The England international still has three years remaining on his contract at Westfalenstadion, but speculation continues to swirl surrounding his next career move.
A recent report claims that Man United are in a strong position to sign the £100m-rated midfielder, while another states that Liverpool are currently ahead of the Red Devils in the race for his signature.
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However, both clubs could now face competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea, with The Sun reporting that they are lining up a big-money move for the teenager next summer.
The West Londoners were the biggest spenders in the most recent transfer window, recruiting nine players for a combined fee in excess of £250m.
Defender Wesley Fofana was Chelsea's most expensive signing at around £70m, while Marc Cucurella, Kalidou Koulibaly, Raheem Sterling and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were also big-name additions made by new co-owner Todd Boehly.
The American billionaire has now identified Bellingham as one of his next targets, while newly-appointed head coach Graham Potter is also thought to be an admirer of the midfielder.
A potential swoop for Bellingham would likely see Chelsea break their transfer record, which currently stands at the £97.5m that they paid for striker Romelu Lukaku just over 12 months ago.
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Bellingham has recently been questioned about his future and a potential return to England, but the teenager insists that he has not thought about leaving Dortmund any time soon.
Speaking to reporters before BVB's defeat at Man City, Bellingham said: "First of all, I'm here to help Borussia Dortmund win the game. If I can play well and showcase my talents, it is a bonus.
"But I'm here to win for Borussia Dortmund and I'm very happy here at the minute and I'm focused on all of the goals we have as a team and I'm not looking past that.
"The club have done loads for me and made me feel very welcome since I first came and gave me the opportunities to develop even further.
"To look past that and into the future would be disrespectful. It's not something I am thinking about, to be honest."
Bellingham is set to feature for Dortmund in the Revierderby against rivals Schalke 04 on Saturday before linking up with Gareth Southgate's England squad for the upcoming international break, which will see the Three Lions face Italy and Germany in their final two UEFA Nations League matches in League A Group 3.
Oliver Thomas
