Liverpool have dramatically decided to pull out of the race to sign prime target Jude Bellingham as they prioritise a significant squad rebuild instead.

Bellingham, the Borussia Dortmund midfielder, has been top of Liverpool’s wish list for 18 months and Jurgen Klopp even took the unusual step of publicly singing his praises on Boxing Day last year when he described the 19-year-old as ‘exceptional’ after the World Cup.

With Bellingham having indicated his next move would be governed by the football project at the club, it had appeared that Liverpool held sway in the race particularly as the England international has a close relationship with Anfield stars Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson.

Henderson, after England’s victory over Ukraine last month, said it would be ‘amazing’ if Bellingham ended up on Merseyside but added whatever club does land him would be ‘very lucky’ to secure a talent he described as ‘frightening’.

However, Liverpool have taken the early and pragmatic decision to focus on a group of signings this summer rather than one stellar addition who would effectively blow their entire kitty, given he is going to cost more than £100million and the wages involved.

Highly rated Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham won’t join Liverpool this summer

Jurgen Klopp’s Reds have decided to pursue other options in their summer rebuild instead

Liverpool are keen on Chelsea midfielders Mason Mount (left) and Conor Gallagher (right)

Klopp hinted last week that Liverpool’s recruitment plans this summer would not necessarily meet the expectations of supporters.

But this is not the first time he or the club have been prepared to make an unpopular decision to focus on the wider picture.

‘The difference is whatever we do next year will never be enough from people’s point of view and your point of view,’ Klopp said in his press conference before facing Arsenal.

‘But, yes, with smart recruitment we will improve, definitely. That is the plan.’

Liverpool have been monitoring a number of targets, aside from Bellingham.

Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount is extremely well regarded within Anfield and looks the ideal type of player who would fit perfectly into Klopp’s system.

Conor Gallagher, Mount’s Chelsea team-mate, has also been discussed.

While Matheus Nunes of Wolverhampton Wanderers – who showed up prominently in recent fixtures – and Fulham’s Joao Palhinha are others in the frame.

Man City and Real Madrid remain in the hunt to sign Bellingham, as do Man United and Chelsea

There were reports on Tuesday night that Liverpool had made a bid for Bellingham but that was definitely not the case.

The club are now determined to move decisively ahead of what is going to be a crucial summer, as they look to get back towards the summit of the Premier League.

They will be losing Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Roberto Firmino, which gives them scope to utilise the wages those three players commanded elsewhere, and Klopp is adamant that his team will not get left behind.

What happens with Bellingham remains to be seen but the chase for his signature will now be headed by Real Madrid, as well as Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea, all of whom have the financial power to meet whatever demands Dortmund may have.

United thought they were in pole position to land Bellingham when he left Birmingham for Dortmund and they will continue to stake their claims for the outstanding young talent in English football.

SOURCE: dailymail.co.uk