It has been reported that Real Madrid are currently the frontrunners in the race to sign Manchester City transfer target Jude Bellingham.
It has been previously claimed that the 19-year-old was keen on a move to Liverpool instead of either of the European juggernauts.
But it seems as if Real Madrid look the likeliest to complete a transfer for Jude Bellingham, leaving Manchester City in the dust.
Details behind the Real Madrid & Man City race for Jude Bellingham
A report by German outlet BILD has made the claim that Mark Bellingham met Los Blancos at the end of February.
While there have been no official talks between Real Madrid and Jude Bellingham, it has been emphasised that Man City are trailing in the race to get a transfer over the line for him behind the reigning champions of Europe.
But Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo have stated that £131.1 million is the fee at which Borussia Dortmund will let their talismanic midfielder depart in the summer.
The catch is that while Real Madrid are currently beating Manchester City in the transfer battle for Jude Bellingham, they are unwilling to meet such an exorbitant fee to make the deal happen.
However, Carlo Ancelotti and Co. firmly believe that their strong relationship with Dortmund coupled with the groundwork they have done makes the deal doable.
MCN View: The Bellingham fee may understandably divide opinion at the Etihad
There is no disputing that the teenage sensation is a ‘generational’ talent, as branded by Jamie Redknapp on the Sky Sports Football Podcast.
However, much like Real Madrid, one would understand if Manchester City hesitant towards paying such a hefty fee to pull off a transfer coup for Jude Bellingham.
Considering there are other alternatives in the market such as Alexis Mac Allister, Gabri Veiga and Frenkie De Jong that can operate in a creative role, as well as in-house solutions such as Phil Foden and Jack Grealish, the fee may be excessive.
Then again, Bellingham is one hell of a talent and under Guardiola, his ceiling could be limitless.
