Double twist sees Liverpool incredibly turn to midfielder from ‘Big Six’ rival as Bellingham hopes falter

Two factors have put Jude Bellingham’s move from Borussia Dortmund to Liverpool in serious doubt, although the Reds are already getting to work on the signing of a Premier League midfielder instead, according to a report.

On March 9, Liverpool were handed a major boost in the Bellingham chase. talkSPORT revealed how Dortmund will demand at least £107million – which is what Chelsea paid for Enzo Fernandez – when selling the Englishman.

This will apparently work in Liverpool’s favour. While Jurgen Klopp’s side are not the richest club in England, transfer rivals Real Madrid are not in a brilliant place financially and will therefore struggle to meet the offer needed to snare Bellingham.

talkSPORT added that Bellingham is very keen to work with Klopp and the prospect of Liverpool not playing in the Champions League next term does not phase him.

Liverpool could just miss out on the top four this season as they currently sit in sixth, six points behind fourth-placed Tottenham with a game in hand.

An update on the situation from Spanish outlet Cadena Ser has completely contradicted talkSPORT’s information. They claim Dortmund are asking for £130m for Bellingham, which is putting his potential suitors off. It is stated that Liverpool, Real and Manchester City have all told the player himself that this price tag is too high.

READ MORE: Liverpool battling Man City for signing of the century after judge’s ruling sparks incredible opening

Bellingham is apparently ‘angry’ at Dortmund for potentially pricing him out of a move.

Cadena Ser add that even if Liverpool agreed a fee with the German club, Bellingham would not want to move there. They claim he has decided he only wants to play for a team competing in the Champions League when leaving Dortmund. Clearly, this completely goes against what talkSPORT have been reporting.

Liverpool look at Chelsea alternative

Due to these factors, Liverpool have lined up a stunning raid on ‘Big Six’ rivals Chelsea instead. The report claims they have begun targeting Mateo Kovacic. And it would not be a surprise if the 28-year-old left Stamford Bridge in the summer.

His contract with the Blues expires in June 2024. As fresh terms are yet to be agreed, Chelsea may have to sell Kovacic this summer to prevent him from leaving on a free transfer next year.

Kovacic has already signalled his desire to leave Chelsea during a meeting with AC Milan chiefs Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara, according to Sport Witness, who cite reports coming out of Italy.

Kovacic has decided that he would like to move to Milan if a Chelsea exit goes through. However, these claims emerged before Liverpool began chasing his signature.

The lure of playing under Klopp, as well as the superior wages Liverpool can offer, could see Kovacic snub Milan and go to the Merseyside outfit instead.

Kovacic is not the only Chelsea player Liverpool have been linked with either. They are reportedly at the front of the queue for Mason Mount, who is in a contract stand-off with Chelsea.

Liverpool’s midfield hunt is starting to get slightly confusing. As many as 46 midfielders have been tipped to join Klopp’s squad at the end of the season.

Bellingham is widely viewed as Liverpool’s top target, but Dortmund’s asking price and a lack of UCL football could force them to launch a surprise move for Kovacic instead.

Meanwhile, Liverpool could cause a big-name manager to be sacked if they win one of their upcoming games, according to reports.