Borussia Dortmund have Jude Bellingham on a contract until June 2025, but he is widely expected to leave the Bundesliga giants in a big-money deal next summer.
The 19-year-old has again been in strong form for BVB this term, scoring three times in nine appearances, including a goal against Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Bellingham has now made 99 appearances for Dortmund since his arrival from Birmingham City in the summer of 2020, contributing 13 goals and 18 assists in the process.
The midfielder is widely expected to represent England at the 2022 World Cup, and there is every chance that his German side could ask for in the region of £100m in order to let him leave next summer.
With that in mind, Sports Mole has picked out another three Premier League clubs that could compete for his signature during next summer's transfer window.
Liverpool
Bellingham is believed to be Liverpool's leading transfer target for next summer, with Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano recently speaking about the interest from the Reds on his official YouTube channel.
"Liverpool signed Arthur Melo on loan, but they need a new top midfielder next summer and Bellingham can be the player, so Liverpool will try for sure," said Romano.
Bellingham scored six goals and provided 14 assists in 44 appearances in all competitions at club level last season, and he fits the profile in terms of what Liverpool want their next midfield signing to be.
Whether the Reds are prepared to pay the transfer fee, which could be in the region of £100m, remains to be seen, but Jurgen Klopp's side will certainly be in the race for his signature next year.
Midfield is the area that Liverpool want to strengthen, and Bellingham is capable of starring in that position for the Merseyside giants on a long-term basis.
Manchester United
"He's an upcoming superstar player. I am totally convinced he will leave Dortmund in 2023, maybe to Liverpool, maybe to Manchester United," said Sky Deutschland journalist Florian Plettenberg recently.
Man United spent big on Casemiro over the summer, while they also brought in Christian Eriksen, but neither player are long-term options for the 20-time English champions.
Declan Rice continues to be linked with a switch to the Red Devils, but the club are seemingly preparing to switch their attention to Bellingham.
Man United will have to be in the Champions League next season to stand a chance of signing the former Birmingham youngster, so they will need to finish in the top four in the Premier League this term or win the Europa League.
The Red Devils spent big over the recent summer window, and there should once again be a big budget available at the end of the 2023-24 campaign, with the club possessing the ability to meet Dortmund's high asking price.
Manchester City
"In England, all the top clubs, not just Liverpool, are following Bellingham. Manchester City, for sure, but also Man United have been following Bellingham for a long time, so many clubs will be in the race," Romano later added when discussing the current situation.
Rodri is arguably one of the top central midfielders in world football, but Man City do not actually have a wealth of options in that area of the field considering their status.
Kalvin Phillips arrived over the summer, but the 26-year-old has struggled for football this season, while Bernardo Silva could potentially be on his way out of the club next summer.
Man City's big-money move for Jack Grealish last year has not quite worked out, which would be a concern if they had to pay another £100m for Bellingham.
The Citizens will always be in for the leading youngsters in world football, though, and it would certainly not be a shock if Pep Guardiola's side managed to win the race for the talented teenager. body check tags ::
