Ex-Liverpool midfielder and manager Graeme Souness does not believe the club’s current owners will have the finances to fund a move for Jude Bellingham this summer.

Reports suggest that Borussia Dortmund are demanding as much as €150m (£129m) and Souness says that, unless there is a change of ownership soon, the Reds will be priced out of a deal:

“I think he’s going to be an absolute star. Unfortunately, I don’t think he’ll end up at Liverpool because, unless Liverpool get different owners, they will not be able to afford him. All the big guys will be after him.”

It’s a fair comment from Souness. If Dortmund do stand firm on their asking price, there is little to no chance that Jurgen Klopp’s side will sign Bellingham.

However, a lot will depend on what other teams are prepared to pay. If the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City and Chelsea don’t match the player’s current valuation either, Dortmund could be forced into lowering their demands.

Fans hoping that a quick takeover could take place before June should probably temper their expectations. Usually, such deals can take up to a year to finalise so don’t expect Liverpool to blow teams out of the water with a record bid for Bellingham.