Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has confirmed that he is interested in signing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.
The 19-year-old has established himself as one of the brightest young prospects in world football and his rapid rise has caught the eye of a host of top clubs who are set to battle for his signature.
Since arriving at Dortmund from boyhood club Birmingham City in 2020, Bellingham has recorded 19 goals and 22 assists in 112 appearances for the German side across all competitions.
The midfielder has also made a huge impression at international level and has been one of the standout performers for England at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with the teenager scoring his first Three Lions goal in the 6-2 group-stage win over Iran.
Bellingham is set to be one of the most sought-after players when the transfer window re-opens in the New Year, with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid having all been credited with an interest.
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Ligue 1 champions PSG have also emerged as a potential destination for Bellingham, and Al-Khelaifi has revealed that he is keen to lure the midfielder to the French capital.
Asked during an interview with Sky Sports News whether PSG are exploring a deal for Bellingham, Al-Khelaifi said: "Everybody wants him, I'm not going to hide it.
"He's at his club, and [we have] respect, so if we want to talk to him we'll talk to the club first."
Al-Khelaifi added: "Amazing player, what a player. England [are] lucky to have to him, to be honest. He's one of the best players in the [World Cup].
"[It's] amazing, his first World Cup, he's calm and relaxed, confident – amazing."
PSG already have a plethora of talented stars on their books including attacking trio Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar.
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It remains to be seen whether Bellingham would be tempted by a move to Paris, but it is thought that Liverpool are the current frontrunners for his signature.
Jurgen Klopp is desperate to recruit a new centre-midfielder in 2023 and is understood to have identified Bellingham as his primary target.
Dortmund managing director Carsten Cramer recently claimed that the Reds would be the "preferred" destination for Bellingham should they decide to cash in on the £130m-rated midfielder.
"We have a high sympathy for Liverpool for sure," Cramer told Vietnam News. "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."
Bellingham, who is expected to start for England against France in their World Cup quarter-final showdown on Saturday, is under contract at Dortmund until June 2025.
Oliver Thomas
