Sources: Madrid confident of signing Bellingham

Sources: Madrid confident of signing Bellingham

Real Madrid are optimistic of beating Manchester City to the signing of Jude Bellingham, but various sources have told ESPN it’s too early to talk about any sort of agreement being reached.

Bellingham, 19, is one of the most sought-after players in the world and ESPN first reported Madrid’s serious interest in the Borussia Dortmund midfielder last November.

Liverpool were thought to be the favourites to sign the England international at the time but Jurgen Klopp’s side pulled out of the running last month.

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Following Liverpool’s withdrawal, sources told ESPN that Premier League champions City felt they were best positioned to land Bellingham’s signature.

However, as reported by ESPN in recent months, Madrid have never given up hope of signing the former Birmingham City player and now believe they are the favourites to do so.

Various reports in Spain even claim there is an agreement in principle for a deal between Madrid, Dortmund and the player this summer, but sources have told ESPN nothing has been closed at this stage.

Madrid have always said that Bellingham is a priority signing for them as they remodel their midfield in preparation for life after Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga have both been signed in recent years to complement Fede Valverde.