Real Madrid are reportedly ready to place full attention on securing a deal for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.
As a result of the England international establishing himself as a key man at the Westfalenstadion and with England, the future of the 19-year-old has been a hot topic for debate.
Bellingham is known to have admirers in England with Manchester United been keen on the former Birmingham City youngster in the past and Liverpool being open to negotiating a deal with Dortmund in recent months.
However, it has recently been suggested that the Merseyside outfit have opted against pursuing a deal for Bellingham due to 'too many complications'.
While at one point Liverpool appeared to be Bellingham's preferred destination, it has since been reported that he favours a move to the Bernabeu.
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According to Goal, Real are now prepared to prioritise a move for the youngster next year, the plan being to sign Bellingham ahead of 2023-24.
The report reiterates that Bellingham wants to sign for Los Blancos, who see him as part of a three-player midfield alongside Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni.
Luka Modric remains an important part of Carlo Ancelotti's midfield, but the Croatia international is now 37 years of age and he is yet to pen a deal past the end of 2022-23.
The future of Toni Kroos is in doubt with the German expected to consider his options in the summer, while Dani Ceballos is also out of contract at the conclusion of this campaign.
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The report adds that Dortmund intend to demand a fee of €120m (£105.96m) for a player who still has just over two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract.
However, despite the German side previously having ambitions to retain the services of Bellingham for a longer period, club officials are unlikely to allow their most prized asset to enter the final two years of his deal.
Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with a move for Bellingham, although they are each seemingly outsiders in the race for his signature.
As well as starring for England at the World Cup, Bellingham has impressed for Dortmund in the Bundesliga and Champions League this campaign, contributing seven goals and three assists from 20 starts.
Darren Plant
