CHELSEA have reportedly told Borussia Dortmund they are willing to pay over £87million to sign Jude Bellingham.
The 19-year-old England ace is one of the hottest prospects in world football, with his stock set to rise further if he stars at the World Cup.
And he is set to be at the centre of an almighty transfer tussle next summer.
Chelsea though appear to have taken a shock lead in the race for his signature.
The Blues are prepared to bid close to £90m to land Bellingham, according to German outlet Bild via Sport Witness.
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Bellingham is said to be viewed as the “dream player” to bolster Graham Potter’s midfield.
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There has been reported contact between the clubs, but Dortmund are claimed to be holding out for closer to £105m.
Additions in the middle of the park could be necessary with Jorginho and N’Golo Kante both out of contract at the end of the season and linked with moves away.
There is long-standing interest in Declan Rice, but Chelsea now have prioritised signing Bellingham over his Three Lions team-mate.
Although new owner Todd Boehly will face competition from the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City for his signature.
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While SunSport exclusively revealed last week that Real Madrid are confident of luring Bellingham to the Bernabeu.
Boehly is planning a raid on the Bundesliga as he continues to splash the cash after a big summer of spending.
The American businessman is said to regularly meet RB Leipzig chief Oliver Mintzlaff for coffee in London.
Boehly reportedly wants to sign both Christopher Nkunku and Josko Gvardiol from the German side.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
