Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has denied reports that he has personally spoken to Jude Bellingham about a move to Anfield this summer.

The Reds are known to be keen admirers of the Borussia Dortmund midfielder and, while he admits the club are interested in the player, Klopp refuted claims that he has held direct talks:

“Jude is a great player who we know, of course. We’d be stupid not to have him on our radar. But there’s nothing more to say at the moment. These things (talking directly to Bellingham’s parents) are not possible because he is under contract with Borussia Dortmund and that is not possible without their consent. So, it’s not true.”

While Klopp is probably telling the truth in regards to having contact with Bellingham, clubs do have their means for tapping up players without contravening the rules.

Usually, contact is made through the agent, who in this case is Bellingham’s father. The 19-year-old will undoubtedly be aware of how highly Klopp rates him, with his international teammates, Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold, also playing their part.

Of course, other teams, including Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City, have likely been holding similar conversations, but it does appear that Liverpool are the frontrunners for the teenager’s signature at the moment.