Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has confirmed that no progress has been made in their attempts to persuade Jude Bellingham into signing a new contract.

The England international has been heavily linked with Liverpool, in addition to the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City and Chelsea, but Kehl says he is still holding out some hope that the midfielder will stay in Germany:

“There has been no new development [on the contract]. We have to be patient a little more. But of course we try to keep Jude Bellingham in Borussia Dortmund as long as possible because he is an incredibly important player.”

“This season he has once again shown how he identifies with this club and makes the team better. Things develop due to market mechanisms. So of course I have my thoughts and I also have my wishful thinking. I can’t say whether it will happen in the end.”

Bellingham will have two years remaining on his current deal in the summer, and Dortmund know that his value will begin to depreciate soon unless he puts pen to paper on an extension. A sale this summer is, therefore, looking more and more likely.

The teenager’s asking price is expected to be an eyewatering €150m (£132m), which will put off most clubs. Considering Liverpool have never spent above £100m on any player, it remains to be seen how high they will go in their efforts to secure Bellignham’s signature.