Top Liverpool transfer target named by Sky Sports man as timeline for dream Klopp deal is revealed

Liverpool remain fully focused and determined to seal the Jude Bellingham signing in 2023, with a trusted reporter providing the very latest on their pursuit of the teenager.
The Borussia Dortmund midfielder cemented his position as one of the world’s most in-demand stars with some excellent performances in Qatar. Playing with staggering maturity for a 19-year-old Bellingham underlined why he carries such a vast fee.
Indeed, having been picked up for an initial £25m in summer 2020, Dortmund now look set to quadruple their initial investment. However, reports claim that with demand for Bellingham so high, his suitors could have to pay as much as £130m for his services.
Amid initial interest from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United, the race for Bellingham is now thought to be a three-horse race. And the former Birmingham star is likely to join one of Liverpool, Manchester City or Real Madrid.
Of those three, Liverpool appear favourites. Their chances seemingly increased this week on the back of claims his family have chosen Liverpool as his next club. And while Fabrizio Romano has rowed back on those claims, a deal for Bellingham is still in their sights.
However, Liverpool do have other irons in the fire too. Jurgen Klopp is desperate to bolster his midfield, with the likes of Sofyan Amrabat and even James Maddison also linked.
But another player seemingly at the forefront of their thinking is Enzo Fernandez.
The Benfica man has impressed at the World Cup, having played a starring role for an Argentina side through to Sunday’s final.
And reports earlier this week claimed the Reds had agreed a deal to bring the midfielder to Anfield.
Jude Bellingham remains Liverpool’s absolute top target
However, any deal for Fernandez will not come cheap. Benfica will reportedly hold out for his full £103m exit clause. As such, doubts are being cast over whether Liverpool can afford to sign both.
Indeed, there were reports that Real Madrid are ready to step up their pursuit of Bellingham knowing it will likely be one or the other for Klopp.
That said, Dharmesh Sheth is adamant that Bellingham is, was and continues to be Liverpool’s No 1 target.
And explaining why Arthur Melo was signed on a one-year loan, the Sky Sports reporter claims there has long been a plan in place to sign Bellingham in summer 2023.
Now, speaking to Givemesport, Sheth is adamant the Reds can still sign Bellingham come the summer.
“It’s clear he is the number one target for Liverpool.
“Remember, in the summer, they did want to bring in a midfielder. But they decided to go short-term first of all and brought in Arthur Melo, maybe with one eye on next summer when Jude Bellingham potentially could be available.”
Common ground needed over Bellingham fee
Sheth’s comments should ease fears that Liverpool are ready to give up on Bellingham. They seemingly hope to land the player for a fee of around £86.4m; that’s the budget seemingly made available by Reds director Mike Gordon.
However, with Dortmund likely to demand more, there remains some common ground to reach. As such, it is unlikely an agreement will be reached any time soon.
That said, Dortmund’s managing director has made it clear that he wants Bellingham to move to Liverpool.
As such, Liverpool are likely to continue their push to make the signing happen. And Bellingham is very much at the forefront of Klopp’s 2023 transfer thinking as they put their plans in motion.
READ MORE: Seven midfielders Klopp could target for Liverpool after impressing at World Cup: Fernandez, Amrabat…