Why Liverpool have stepped away from the Jude Bellingham pursuit: report

Liverpool have ended their interest in Jude Bellingham, according to multiple reports.

The Reds are enduring their toughest season under Jurgen Klopp, having lost nine times in the Premier League this term and finding themselves eighth in the table. It was long thought that the Merseysiders were leading the race for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Bellingham, having put in extensive groundwork.

But now, according to multiple reports, Liverpool are ending their pursuit of the teenager, to focus on other targets.

According to the Liverpool Echo, the Reds' recruitment team have decided that they will be better served to spread their summer transfer fund across the team, rather than spending the money on one player.

"The Reds' transfer pot will inevitably be hampered by an expected lack of Champions League football next season," the Echo states.

"Liverpool want to sign at least two midfielders in the summer, with Chelsea's Mason Mount - who is approaching the last year of his deal at Stamford Bridge and would thus be significantly cheaper than Bellingham - now emerging as the new priority.

"The Reds are also assessing the merits of another Chelsea midfielder, Conor Gallagher, and retain an interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers' Matheus Nunes and Ryan Gravenberch of Bayern Munich.

Fulham star Joao Palhinha, Brighton and Hove Albion duo Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo and Leicester City star Youri Tielemans are all listed by the source as potential stars.

The midfielder is worth €120m, according to Transfermarkt.

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Josko Gvardiol is a top target, with Mason Mount on the wishlist, too. Seven other players are in the summer plans, with an eye on the future as well. A player dubbed "the next Luka Modric" could be targeted, while Benfica's latest starlet Florentino Luis is being considered. 15-year-old Kendry Paez is also being linked.