Real Madrid will step up their pursuit of Jude Bellingham in January but are refusing to overpay for the England sensation.

Los Blancos are set to battle long-term admirers Liverpool for the Borussia Dortmund playmaker, 19, after his superb World Cup performances.

ESPN claim Real are ready to make their move and value Bellingham at £88million — a figure they will reportedly not go above.

Carlo Ancelotti is looking to freshen up his midfield with Luka Modric, 37, and Toni Kroos, who turns 33 next week, heading towards the end of their careers.

He secured the services of France starlet Aurelien Tchouameni last summer and also boasts young talents Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde.

Real have been talking up their project to Bellingham but Liverpool are set to provide stiff competition as they have their own midfield issues to address.

Jurgen Klopp is aware of the need for younger legs in the engine room and Bellingham's displays in Qatar proved he is ready to handle the pressure of playing at the highest level.

Chelsea have also been linked in recent weeks but appear to have turned their attention elsewhere with The Metro reporting that Enzo Fernandez has agreed to join them.

Fernandez was one of Argentina's stars of the World Cup