Real Madrid and Liverpool could go toe-to-toe next summer in another blockbuster transfer race.

Real Madrid and Liverpool will go toe-to-toe next summer (Image: GETTY)

Real Madrid may reportedly try and make a bluff next summer in an attempt to beat Liverpool to the signing of Jude Bellingham – just like they did with the Reds back in 2009. Borussia Dortmund face a huge battle on their hands to try and keep hold of the talented midfielder next year.

Real and Liverpool appear to be the frontrunners for his signature while Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich have also been linked. Whoever comes in for Bellingham will likely need to pay a fee in excess of £100million to get the deal done.

After missing out on a mega-money deal to sign Kylian Mbappe this past summer, Real have some extra money burning a hole in their pocket. For Liverpool, it appears as though owners FSG are looking to bring in outside investment to help pull off a move for the England international.

But the Merseyside outfit may have to prepare for some sneaky tactics by Real as the summer transfer window closes in. Spanish outlet AS claim Real are confident they are the club Bellingham ultimately wants to join.

Jude Bellingham is Liverpool’s main target for 2023 (Image: GETTY)

Enzo Fernandez, who is also being linked to Liverpool, is also said to be an option for Los Blancos. He is touted as an ‘alternative’ to Bellingham though, rather than a blockbuster move for both midfielders.

And the report points out how Real may use Fernandez in a way to beat Liverpool to the signing of Bellingham. Xabi Alonso’s departure from Liverpool back in 2009 is used as an example for what Real could try and do this coming summer.

Source: express.co.uk