JUDE BELLINGHAM and Real Madrid are already “negotiating a contract” ahead of a mega £88million transfer.
And that is a major blow to Premier League clubs linked with trying to land the teenager.
The Borussia Dortmund and England sensation, 19, has dazzled for club and country since moving to Germany in 2020.
Bellingham became the youngest Bundesliga captain ever this week and followed that up by breaking two Champions League records with his double against Sevilla.
And with the midfielder set to start for the Three Lions at the World Cup, Real are keen to get a deal done before he stars on the global stage.
According to Marca, the initial conversations are underway to discuss the specific numbers of Bellingham’s contract – a year after the first talks between the two camps.
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It is said Real Madrid chiefs are “increasingly convinced” they will secure a deal.
And the Spanish champions are understood to have the financial ability to pay Dortmund up to £88m for Bellingham.
Real Madrid have snapped up two of Europe’s best young central midfielders in the last two summers in Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni.
But they are desperate to complete a stunning hat-trick by adding Bellingham to their ranks in a complete overhaul from the Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro era at the Bernabeu.
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Los Blancos chiefs are hopeful the trio of youngsters could form a successful partnership for the next decade.
But the latest news will come as a bitter disappointment to Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool.
The English rivals have all been circling for the former Birmingham City academy talent.
Erling Haaland wants to be reunited with Bellingham at the Etihad after their time together in Germany.
But SunSport columnist Troy Deeney urged the rising star to snub England and become a Real Madrid legend.
