“The financial strength of competitors could kill Liverpool’s hopes.”

David Ornstein I the athlete Be sure to give Liverpool fans a real blue on Monday with the latest news on Jude Bellingham.

The 19-year-old joins England’s squad ahead of the European Championship qualifiers against Italy in Naples on Thursday and Ukraine at Wembley three days later, but it’s the midfielder’s future that commands the limelight.

Ornstein reports that Bellingham will likely end up with either Liverpool, Manchester City or Real Madrid this summer, although the Birmingham boy has a contract with Borussia Dortmund until 2025.

There is no buyout clause in this contract, so Dortmund have the best cards in hand. They can choose not to sell the player, and they can demand exactly the transfer fee they want.

“Given the current situation, it seems increasingly unlikely that Liverpool will sign Bellingham this summer,” Ornstein wrote.

Judd Bellingham played another good game for Borussia Dortmund as 1 FC Cologne won 6-1 on Saturday:

I think City and Real are in a stronger position

He points out that the 19-year-old is more closely associated with Liverpool than with any other club, and there is no doubt that Jurgen Klopp is a huge fan of the midfielder.

Ornstein continues: “It is the perceived size of transfer fees, the financial muscle of Liverpool’s rivals, and Liverpool’s unwillingness to engage in a bidding war that cast doubt on Liverpool’s chances.”

The sports journalist confirms that Liverpool’s pursuit is by no means over, but he has sources familiar with the process, and they believe that City and Real Madrid are in a stronger position now.

And Ornstein indicates that Liverpool will not win any titles this season, if we ignore the Community Shield last summer, and the Reds are seven points behind fourth place, which grants qualification to the Champions League with 12 remaining matches.

“Liverpool has an aging squad, many players with expired contracts. They have to take action and do recruitment work on several fronts with different options. These are factors that will affect their transfer budget, and therefore also the club’s hope of securing Bellingham.”