MANCHESTER CITY and Chelsea are the "favourites" to sign Jude Bellingham next summer, according to reports.
But that is despite Real Madrid already "negotiating a contract" over a mega £88million transfer for the teenager.
The Borussia Dortmund and England sensation, 19, has dazzled for club and country since moving to Germany in 2020.
Bellingham became the youngest Bundesliga captain ever this week and followed that up by breaking two Champions League records with his double against Sevilla.
And with the midfielder set to start for the Three Lions at the World Cup, clubs are keen to get a deal done before he stars on the global stage.
According to Bild in Germany, Graham Potter and Pep Guardiola are in pole position to add Bellingham to their squads – ahead of Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.
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And that would make Erling Haaland ever happier because the goal-machine striker wants to be reunited with Bellingham at the Etihad after their time together in Germany.
But according to Marca, the initial conversations between Real and Bellingham's representatives are underway to discuss the specific numbers of Bellingham's contract – a year after the first talks between the two camps.
The report adds Real Madrid chiefs are "increasingly convinced" they will secure a deal.
The Spanish champions and their English rivals are understood to have the financial ability to pay Dortmund up to £88m for Bellingham.
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Real Madrid have snapped up two of Europe's best young central midfielders in the last two summers in Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni.
But they are desperate to complete a stunning hat-trick by adding Bellingham to their ranks in a complete overhaul from the Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro era at the Bernabeu.
Los Blancos chiefs are hopeful the trio of youngsters could form a successful partnership for the next decade.
But Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester City are still confident of securing Bellingham, leaving Manchester United and Liverpool way back in the race.
The English rivals have all been circling for the former Birmingham City academy talent.
But SunSport columnist Troy Deeney urged the rising star to snub the Premier League and become a Real Madrid legend instead.
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