Manchester City have reportedly moved to the head of the queue in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham after Liverpool withdrew their interest in the midfielder.
For several months, Liverpool and Real Madrid were considered the top two contenders for the 19-year-old's signature ahead of his anticipated exit from Dortmund in the summer.
Bellingham is understood to have favoured a move to Anfield, even with Jurgen Klopp's side unlikely to qualify for the Champions League, and his father held positive contacts with Merseyside chiefs.
However, Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group were not willing to spend the majority of their budget on just one player, and the Reds have dropped out of the race as a result.
By conceding defeat in their pursuit, Liverpool have opened the door for other European giants to move for Bellingham, with Real Madrid still understood to be one of the leading parties.
However, ESPN claims that Man City have stolen a march on Los Blancos in the race for the former Birmingham City youngster, having established a positive relationship with Dortmund.
The Citizens have brought Erling Braut Haaland and Manuel Akanji to the Etihad from the Bundesliga side, who are said to have been left impressed with the way Man City conducted themselves in negotiations.
As a result, Man City are growing increasingly confident about their chances of landing Bellingham due to their previous dealings with Dortmund, who are still expected to hold out for a fee north of £130m.
Furthermore, BVB still have the England international under contract until 2025, and the German giants believe that it is still possible to agree a renewal with Bellingham's camp.
Man City are faced with the prospect of losing Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer at the end of the season, while doubts persist over the long-term futures of Bernardo Silva and Kalvin Phillips.
Phillips is believed to be on West Ham United's shortlist of Declan Rice replacements, but City may be reluctant to let the former Leeds United man depart after just one season.
Despite falling behind in the race for Bellingham, Real Madrid remain in touch with the midfielder's representatives and remain hopeful of convincing him to make the switch to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Any Madrid move for Bellingham is likely to hinge on the futures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, both of whom are out of contract at the end of the season, but manager Carlo Ancelotti recently revealed that "progress" had been made in talks with the duo over extensions.
Modric and Kroos penning new deals could open the door for Bellingham to move to the Premier League, with Manchester United also keeping an eye on the situation from afar.
However, Bellingham - who has 20 goals and 25 assists to his name from 127 games for Dortmund - is said to have already ruled out Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain as possible destinations. body check tags ::
