Liverpool lead the race to sign Jude Bellingham next summer and hope to exploit Premier League rivals’ obsession with Borussia Dortmund team-mate Erling Haaland.
Bellingham has previously been courted by Manchester United before moving to Borussia Dortmund in July 2020 for an initial £20million rising to £30m.
But Liverpool are now making plans to bring the teenage midfielder back to the UK after his mature displays for Dortmund and England, who have capped him 10 times.
Top-flight rivals like United, Chelsea and Manchester City are monitoring Dortmund striker Haaland, who has a release clause next year.
But Anfield boss Jurgen Klopp has instead identified Bellingham, 18, to bolster his midfield ranks where his main options include Jordan Henderson, 31, and Fabinho, 28.
German coach Klopp has not been put off by Bellingham’s price with his old club likely to ask for £90m to triple their investment.
It would make Bellingham Liverpool's most expensive ever signing ahead of Virgil Van Dijk , who cost £75m.
Bellingham’s former club Birmingham are watching his future closely as they have a lucrative sell-on fee.