Jude Bellingham of Borussia Dortmund has made his final decision regarding his future.
Bellingham, 19, is one of the most sought-after players in the world after continuing to impress for Borussia Dortmund this season.
He has 11 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions, putting Dortmund firmly in contention for the Bundesliga title.
Dortmund currently leads Bayern Munich by one point with five games left in the season.
Bellingham is under contract with Dortmund until 2025, but he has been heavily linked with a move away this summer, with several of Europe’s top clubs interested in signing him.
Liverpool were thought to be favourites to sign him before pulling out of the race due to the potential costs being too high for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Dortmund are expected to demand more than £130 million for Bellingham, which was deemed too expensive for Liverpool when combined with his wages.
Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Manchester United are still interested in signing the midfielder, while Dortmund are eager to sign him to a new contract, with the German club willing to make him the highest-paid player in the club’s history in order to keep him.
Bellingham ‘decides his next move’
According to Spanish publication AS, Bellingham has made a final decision about his future and wants to join Real Madrid this summer after weighing his options.
According to AS, the England international “believes that a move to Spain is the best next step in his career” and “is preparing to inform Los Blancos of his decision.”
According to the report, ‘his mind is made up’ and he ‘wants a new challenge’ in La Liga.
There is a ‘growing acceptance’ at Dortmund that they will be unable to keep Bellingham, who was persuaded to join the Spanish giants following a meeting with a club representative last month.
Bellingham is seen as a long-term replacement for one of Luka Modric or Toni Kroos, both of whom are nearing the end of their careers.
However, a move to the Bernabeu is far from certain, with the report claiming that Real Madrid are unwilling to pay more than €120 million (£105 million) for Bellingham, which is significantly less than Dortmund’s asking price.
