Real Madrid close to agreeing deal with Borussia Dortmund for Jude Bellingham according to reports in Spain

Real Madrid are in advanced talks to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund according to reports.

Jose Felix Diaz has published a story in Marca saying that the negotiations between the reigning European champions and Dortmund are at an advanced stage.

A fee is yet to be agreed between the two clubs, but this is not thought to be an issue. Bellingham has attracted interest from the likes of Manchester City, while Liverpool were also previously linked with the midfielder.

Los Blancos’ chief scout Juni Calafat is said to have an integral part in the discussions up to this point after bringing in the likes of Casemiro, Federico Valverde, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior in recent years.

Felix Martin of Eurosport Spain explained Real Madrid’s reasons behind pursuing a deal and says the 19-year-old has been identified to take the central midfield mantle from the likes of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.

He said: “José Félix Díaz is a journalist very close to Florentino Pérez and whose sources are usually quite reliable.

“This is not the first time Madrid have moved quickly to close a deal in the past couple of years.

“I think that both Modric and Kroos are going to renew their contracts, but accepting a much more secondary role than the one they currently have. In my opinion, I’m sure Bellingham would have a lot more minutes than them.

“Bellingham will be the only big-name signing. Apart from that, Madrid would also have been interested in Gabri Veiga (Celta Vigo) and would also be looking for a substitute striker for Karim Benzema (perhaps Randal Kolo Muani) and a right back to compete with Dani Carvajal.”

Bellingham has made 40 appearances across all competitions for Dortmund so far this season, scoring 11 goals and registering seven assits.

He arrived at the club from Birmingham City in July 2020, and could still leave Germany with a Bundesliga title winners’ medal with Edin Terzić’s side just one point behind leaders Bayern Munich with four games left of the season.

Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have endured a disappointing season in the league after falling 14 points behind Barcelona, and will almost certainly surrender their La Liga title.

However, they remain on course to win a record-extending 15th European Cup and face Manchester City in a Champions League semi-final first leg on May 9.