The Liverpool Echo‘s chief Reds correspondent Ian Doyle says it would not be a “complete shock” if Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham moved to Anfield in January.

It has been widely assumed that the Bundesliga club would wait until the summer before offloading the England international but Doyle says there is a chance a transfer could happen before then:

“Bellingham is going to leave Borussia Dortmund after the World Cup. Whether that’s in January or the end of the season is down to Dortmund themselves, really. The only way he could leave Dortmund in the New Year is if the Bundesliga side have a replacement of sorts lined up. Could he join Liverpool? Well, the Reds want him and would free up sizeable funds to sign him. But any hope depends on what Dortmund and Bellingham want to do, really. It would be a surprise if anything happens in January but not a complete shock.”

You do see where Doyle is coming from with his remarks. Bellingham could have a starring role for England at the World Cup and Dortmund may be keen to cash in with his value at its highest.

Of course, if the 19-year-old does become available in January, you can guarantee that plenty of other clubs will also be pursuing the player’s signature.

Real Madrid are seen as favourites for Bellingham, along with Liverpool, but the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City are also expected to get involved in the battle for the midfielder.