Liverpool now in pole position to sign Jude Bellingham

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 7 Feb 2023 19:40 GMT
• 2 min read

Liverpool appear now to be in pole position for Jude Bellingham as Manchester City’s hopes of making the Borussia Dortmund midfielder their marquee signing this summer could be complicated by the recent accusations aimed at them by the Premier League.

Man City bought in Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez last summer in a bid to overhaul their side and forge a new era.

The Telegraph reports that Pep Guardiola is eager to freshen up his team in the upcoming window, with Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva facing uncertain futures.

READ MORE: Man Utd and Liverpool must pay €100m for Bundesliga striker

One of their top targets is England international Bellingham, though he’s been linked with a move to Liverpool and Real Madrid as well.

However, reports suggest that Los Blancos believe they can no longer match the price needed to bring in the midfielder. Furthermore, following Monday’s bombshell news that the Premier League has charged City with 115 alleged breaches of financial rules, the Citizens may struggle to obtain the 19-year-old.

The club, who believes that their name will be cleared, are set to have a huge transfer kitty - but that will result in nothing if certain sanctions are imposed on them.

Indeed, the possible punishments they may face if found guilty, such as points deductions, a transfer ban, even expulsion from the Premier League, may be a hurdle in their pursuit of the teenager.

As we have reported before, Liverpool are looking to purchase Bellingham as well as Matheus Nunes from Wolves in the summer window.

Man City's statement

Man City released a statement following the accusations of breaches. It read: Manchester City FC is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with.

“The club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position. As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all.”