REAL MADRID have reportedly set a limit on how much they will pay for Jude Bellingham.
And the news comes as a boost to Premier League rivals Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea, who are all linked with a swoop for the teenage sensation.
Spanish newspaper AS claim Real Madrid will not fork out more than £88million for Bellingham.
The La Liga giants are adamant that they will not overpay for the 19-year-old.
It’s thought Real hope to persuade Bellingham to snub a Premier League move and tempt him to the Bernabeu thanks to the club’s “legendary history”.
But Real are refusing to enter a bidding war for Bellingham – on both the transfer fee and his salary.
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The club know any potential fee is in the same sort of ballpark as what they would have to pay for a striker.
Karim Benzema is 35-years-old and Real know buying a new goalscorer in the near future will not be cheap, meaning they do not want to overpay for Bellingham.
Liverpool and City are reported to be the two front runners for his signature.
Borussia Dortmund are also hopeful of keeping Bellingham for another season, and reportedly plan on offering him a contract extension with a mammoth pay rise and release clause for 2024.
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However, Real Madrid are hopeful of reaching an agreement with Borussia Dortmund if Bellingham opts to join them.
AS report the two clubs have an “excellent” relationship, and negotiations would not prove to be much of a problem.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke are said to be good friends.
Although Real appear prepared to miss out on Bellingham if a bidding war drives his price up past £88m.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
