Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham has ruled out the prospect of a move away from the German club in the summer transfer window.
The England international took no time at all to settle into life in the Bundesliga since arriving just after his 17th birthday from Birmingham City in the summer of 2020.
Bellingham has emerged as one of Marco Rose's most dependable performers with six goals and 13 assists in 43 appearances across all tournaments this term, including 31 starts in the Bundesliga.
The 18-year-old's rapid rise has also earned him 12 caps for England, with Gareth Southgate expected to take him along to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Bellingham's performances have naturally led to significant interest in his services, namely from Manchester United and Liverpool, while Manchester City have also been linked with a swoop.
However, the teenager has now confirmed that he will be staying put at BVB for the 2022-23 campaign, telling Ruhr Nachrichten: "The only future I'm thinking about is the next game with Dortmund. And I will be here next season. I'm ready."
Dortmund are under no pressure to part ways with Bellingham with his contract due to expire until 2025, and it would have likely taken a nine-figure sum to prise him away from the Westfalenstadion.
Rose will be waving goodbye to one young starlet in the upcoming window, though, with Erling Braut Haaland confirmed to be joining Manchester City at the end of the season.
Despite his tender age, Bellingham has now racked up 89 appearances in all tournaments for Dortmund, scoring 10 goals and setting up 17 more in the process.
Man United and Liverpool will therefore be forced to look elsewhere in their summer midfield search, although the Red Devils are thought to be closing in on the signing of Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona.
Blaugrana boss Xavi has reportedly given the green light for the Netherlands international to leave in a €75m (£64m) deal as he prepares to reunite with former manager Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are said to be leading the race for Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who has also been the subject of interest from Man United in recent months.
Jurgen Klopp could opt to hold off his search for a new lynchpin for another 12 months, though, with the Reds boss understood to be keen to keep James Milner on the books for one more season.
The Reds have been dealt a heavy midfield blow ahead of the FA Cup final, with Fabinho confirmed to be missing out owing to the hamstring injury that he picked up in Tuesday's win over Aston Villa.
However, Klopp is confident that the Brazil international will return in time for the Champions League final, with the Reds travelling to Paris to take on Real Madrid on May 28. body check tags ::
