Liverpool Interested In 'Young Steven Gerrard' Who Rejected Manchester United's Deal

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has confirmed that Liverpool had shown interest in Jude Bellingham in the past. He, however, added the young English midfielder is not for sale.

The Dortmund wonderkid, who is termed as the "young Steven Gerrard," is on the target list of many clubs and "not only Liverpool," the Dortmund sporting director told Spanish publication Sport1.

"He is a Borussia Dortmund player and remains a Borussia Dortmund player. There's a lot of interest around Jude Bellingham, not only Liverpool. But there is no bottom line and no exit clause. He is loved, he enjoys that. There are no signs he could leave Dortmund soon," Kehl told Sport1.

Having joined Birmingham City as an Under-9 player, Bellingham rose through the ranks before making his first-team debut during the 2019-20 season. He scored four goals in 44 competitive matches. At the end of the campaign, he decided to switch clubs.

In a bid to sign the talented young midfielder, Manchester United had invited Bellingham with his parents to their training ground, where they met former legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and transfer negotiator Matt Judge, according to sports media outlet talkSport. However, Bellingham snubbed the Red Devils for Bundesliga club Dortmund.

Into his second season at Dortmund, Bellingham is still attracting attention with his game. He has netted seven goals and 11 assists in 61 matches so far for the German club, across all competitions.

When Bellingham turned 18 earlier this year, Dortmund tied him in a long-term contract. The new deal means the teenage sensation will remain with the Signal Iduna Park side until 2025.

Earlier it was reported that even Chelsea were chasing Bellingham as the Blues were seeing the midfielder as a backup option if they failed to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United. Chelsea failed to secure either of the players during the 2021 summer transfer window.

Many clubs also have their eyes on Bellingham's Dortmund teammate Erling Haaland, who is believed to make a big move next summer amid interest from Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid. The Norwegian forward has netted 13 goals, along with four assists, in just 10 competitive appearances for Dortmund in the underway campaign.