The fact Jude Bellingham ‘wanted to join a historic club’ gave Real Madrid the edge over Manchester City in the race to sign the 19-year-old, Fabrizio Romano has hinted.
The Borussia Dortmund and England sensation is expected to leave the German giants this summer.
Liverpool were in a strong position to land Bellingham, but recently dropped out of the race over fears he will be too expensive.
Instead, the Reds are pursuing Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister and have made the Argentine one of many alternatives ahead of the summer transfer window.
With the race to sign Bellingham now between Manchester City and Real Madrid, it has been reported this week who the 19-year-old wants to sign for.
Multiple reports say the England midfielder has chosen Los Blancos over the Premier League champions.
READ MORE: Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid is perfect for him, Premier League fans and England
And renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano has given a little more insight into why Bellingham appears to favour a move to Santiago Bernabeu.
Romano says City are still interested, though the teenager has ‘made it clear’ he wants to play for a historic club.
As you probably know, City are not that. They have had a lot of success over the last 11 years, but are definitely not dripping in history.
Had this always been Bellingham’s priority, it was probably only between Liverpool and Real Madrid the whole time.
Writing for CaughtOffside, Romano said: ‘Man City were in the race and remain interested in Jude Bellingham, but they feel Real Madrid are in the strongest position.
‘City know it’s difficult now as Madrid prepare to close the negotiation, with Bellingham making it clear he wanted to join a historic club.’
Pep Guardiola’s side can create some history this season with a chance to win the treble.
Manchester United are the only English side to win the traditional treble (Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League) and City are in a very strong position to do just that.
They are currently top of the Premier League, four points above Arsenal, who play third-placed Newcastle United away from home on Sunday.
Incidentally, the Citizens face Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the Champions League, with the winners of that tie facing either Inter Milan or AC Milan in the final.
And in the FA Cup, City face arch-rivals Manchester United in the final at Wembley next month.