Liverpool will get no gifts from Dortmund over Bellingham

Borussia Dortmund's managing director Carsten Cramer has warned Liverpool not to expect any 'gifts' in their pursuit of England star Jude Bellingham.

Jurgen Klopp's side have made the 19-year-old their top transfer target, with the talented teen set to spark a £130m bidding war next summer, with Premier League rivals Manchester City, Man United and Chelsea all reportedly interested in him - along with Real Madrid.

But while Kramer accepted Dortmund have good connections with Liverpool, especially after Klopp's spell in charge of the Bundesliga side from 2008 until 2015, when he joined the Reds, it would not necessarily benefit the Merseysiders in their pursuit of Bellingham.

Cramer told Vietnam News: 'We have a high sympathy for Liverpool for sure. We are still in a good relationship with Jurgen and many others at Liverpool, so for me, it's my preferred club in the EPL as well. But don't expect that we will make gifts to Liverpool.'

Bellingham's performances at the World Cup have highlighted why the 19-year-old has been such a coveted star, and the rumours about his path to the Premier League have been rife, despite his contract at Dortmund lasting until 2025.

It has sent the former Birmingham City star's value skyrocketing - something that Liverpool have said they cannot compete with, if richer clubs want Bellingham that badly.

Dortmund's managing director, who has been in the role since 2018, accepted that Bellingham's value is likely to be linked to his nation's continued success in Qatar.

England were unbeaten on their run to the top of Group B, and they are now preparing for a last-16 clash with Senegal on Sunday night.

Cramer said: 'Maybe there is a success existing between Jude Bellingham and (England’s) success in the World Cup.

'He has a contract. I'm a sales person regarding commercial business, but not regarding the player's business.

'We are happy to have him on board a hundred percent and the longer Jude will play for us, the better it will be.'

Without their World Cup stars, Dortmund lost 2-1 in a friendly to the Vietnamese national side on Wednesday, conceding a 90th minute penalty to seal their fate.

Dortmund currently sit sixth in the Bundesliga table, and will not return for competitive fixtures until January 22.