Liverpool have enquired about the availability of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham in recent weeks, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

It has been widely reported that the Reds have decided to delay their pursuit of the England international until next year but Romano claims that the Merseyside club did consider making an earlier move, after they lost out to Real Madrid for Aurelien Tchouameni:

“The reality is that Liverpool, immediately after missing out on Aurelien Tchouameni, they were exploring this discussion for Jude Bellingham, but it was not even a negotiation because he’s not on the market. No bid, no discussion, no negotiation. Bellingham will not leave this summer.”

It’s likely that sporting director Julian Ward felt they would have had a clear run to sign Bellingham this summer, considering the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea are focused on other targets.

However, it looks as though Liverpool’s enquiries were given short shrift by Dortmund, who are determined to keep the teenager for at least another season after losing Erling Haaland.

The Bundesliga club are said to have slapped a €120m (£101m) price tag on Bellingham, which has been designed to scare off potential suitors, and it’s clearly not a figure the Reds are willing to pay. It will be hoped that the midfielder will be sold for a lower amount in 2023.