Manchester City are still one of the frontrunners to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham next summer, according to Marca.
The Madrid-based publication claim that the Premier League champions are targeting the England international who is “an object of desire for Pep Guardiola.”
It should be noted that Guardiola has spoken in glowing terms about Bellingham on a number of occasions so it is not surprising that the Spaniard is spearheading City’s attempts to recruit the player.
Marca also report that Bellingham and his father are both aware of “City’s intentions” and the club are very much ready to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Real Madrid and Liverpool for the 19-year-old’s signature.
In fact, the Citizens could well be ahead of the Reds, who are said to have not received good feedback from Bellingham’s entourage in recent talks.
Of course, the big question is whether Guardiola’s side are willing to break their transfer record for the teenager. At the moment, Dortmund are reportedly holding out for €150m (£132m) to sell their prized asset.