Report: Real Madrid close to signing Dortmund's in-demand Bellingham

Real Madrid are finalizing a deal to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.

It's unclear how much Madrid will pay for the 19-year-old, who doesn't have a release clause in his contract and has two years remaining on the deal. Dortmund have no particular need to sell, and The Athletic's David Ornstein reports they've set their asking price at an exorbitant €150 million.

Dortmund would like to keep Bellingham for one more season and considered offering him a new contract on higher wages, according to Ornstein. But Madrid's persistence reportedly appears to have changed minds.

Should Madrid complete the move, they'll have beaten Manchester City to the English international's signature. City were reportedly confident about signing Bellingham in March.

Liverpool dropped out of the sweepstakes in April, with Jurgen Klopp admitting the club couldn't afford such a signing this summer.

Bellingham rose to stardom after joining Dortmund from Birmingham City in July 2020 for around €25 million. He has 21 goals and 24 assists in 130 appearances for the German outfit.