Borussia Dortmund managing director Carsten Cramer has claimed that Liverpool would be the "preferred" destination for midfielder Jude Bellingham.
The 19-year-old is set to become one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe when the transfer window re-opens in January, with a host of top clubs expected to battle for his signature.
Bellingham has come on leaps and bounds since he swapped boyhood club Birmingham City for Dortmund in 2020, scoring 19 goals and providing 22 assists in 112 appearances for the German side across all competitions.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is allegedly keen to sign two new midfielders in the New Year, with £130m-rated Bellingham believed to be his primary target.
However, the Reds are set to face stern competition for his signature as they likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid have also been credited with an interest.
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Nevertheless, Dortmund chief Cramer has suggested that the Bundesliga club's strong connections with Klopp make Liverpool the frontrunners to sign Bellingham, although the Merseysiders will not receive any special favours should they decide to step up their interest in the midfielder.
Speaking to Vietnam News on rumours linking Bellingham with a move to Anfield, Cramer said: "We have a high sympathy for Liverpool for sure.
"We are still in a good relationship with Jurgen and many others at Liverpool, so for me, it's my preferred club in the EPL as well. But don't expect that we will make gifts to Liverpool."
While Dortmund are currently on a mid-season tour of Vietnam, Bellingham is starring for England at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with the midfielder having started in all three group games under Gareth Southgate.
The teenager scored his first international goal in the 6-2 victory over Iran, while he earned his 19th and 20th caps in group games against USA and Wales respectively.
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Bellingham's form for club and country has understandably attracted interest from several elite clubs in Europe, but Cramer is hopeful that the Englishman can remain in Germany for a while longer.
"Maybe there is a success existing between Jude Bellingham and (England's) success in the World Cup," Cramer added.
"He (Jude) has a contract. I'm a sales person regarding commercial business, but not regarding the player's business.
"We are happy to have him on board a hundred percent and the longer Jude will play for us, the better it will be."
After allowing Erling Braut Haaland to join Man City over the summer, Dortmund are under no immediate pressure to sell Bellingham, who is under contract until June 2025.
Oliver Thomas
