Real Madrid 'make first contact with Jude Bellingham and meet with him and his family in Dortmund'

Real Madrid have made their first contact with Jude Bellingham in a bid to persuade the England star to join the LaLiga giants from Borussia Dortmund for €140m (£123.7m), according to a new report in Spain.

Bellingham's future has been much discussed, with rumours of a potential move to Liverpool in the Premier League, and refusing to enter into talks with Dortmund about extending his stay in the Bundesliga with a higher salary attached to the deal.

However, AS report that Real Madrid have listed the 19-year-old midfielder at the top of their wishlist for the summer, and now a representative from the European giants has made the first approach to Bellingham, travelling to Germany to meet him and his family.

The meeting was an attempt by the representative to sell Real Madrid to Bellingham, and showing why coming to LaLiga would be the best option for his career at present.

The reigning Champions League winners are looking to renovate their successful midfield, and would utilise Belllingham alongside Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni.

However, it could spell the end for Toni Kroos's time in the Spanish capital, as any possible arrival would be additional competition for Carlo Ancelotti's midfield, and he has found opportunities to shine limited in the current campaign.

Reports in Germany suggest that Liverpool remain favourites to sign Bellingham, although Sportsmail previously reported that this largely hinges on whether Jurgen Klopp's Reds can make it into the top four of the Premier League at the end of the season.

Real Madrid still harbour hope that they will be able to persuade him to rule out a return to English club football in favour of the Spanish capital.

Tchouameni was one of several young players who have been recruited to the Real Madrid cause in a similar way, alongside the Brazilian pair Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo.

Bellingham is not thought to have made a decision about his future yet, despite a long-standing relationship between Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, and lots of speculation that the English teenager would be at Anfield for the 2023-24 season.

Both Liverpool and Real Madrid are willing to exceed the €100m the German club seek to let Bellingham leave, meaning the teenager is clear to make his own decision, even though he has two years left on his Borussia Dortmund contract.

Borussia Dortmund's Champions League campaign came to an end last week when they were eliminated by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Footage from the aftermath of the defeat showed Bellingham's rage, including shoving an opponent, a camera, and throwing a water bottle.

They then found their Bundesliga hopes hit by being held to a 2-2 draw at struggling Shalke on Saturday.