Jude Bellingham's family have reportedly signalled their approval of a move to Liverpool over Real Madrid, with the Premier League side considered favourites to sign the England star in the summer.
The 19-year-old has starred for Borussia Dortmund since moving to the Bundesliga in 2020, with the midfielder's reputation further enhanced with a series of impressive displays for England at the World Cup in Qatar.
Christian Falk, head of German publication Sport Bild, reports that talks for Bellingham are more advanced with Liverpool, adding that his family are keen on the switch.
'TRUE. Liverpool are favorites to sign Jude Bellingham (19) from @BVB next Summer. Talks are more advanced than with Real Madrid. The Family of Bellingham prefers the Transfer to @LFC.'
Sportsmail understands Liverpool are also ahead of Premier League rivals Manchester City in the race for him.
Chelsea are also expected to in the race for the teenager, as they seek to overhaul the centre of their midfield.
Paris Saint Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi yesterday declared the Ligue 1 champions interested in signing Bellingham.
Al-Khelaifi praised Bellingham's displays in Qatar in an interview with Sky News, but said that any attempt from PSG to sign him would first go via his current club out of 'respect'.
'Amazing player, what a player. England are lucky to have him, to be honest,' he said.
'He's one of the best players in the tournament, amazing. First World Cup, calm and relaxed - but confident. Amazing.'
'Listen, everybody wants him I'm not going to hide it. But respectfully, he's in his club. If we want him, we're going to talk to his club.'
The potential sale of Liverpool is not expected to derail their bid for Bellingham this summer.
Liverpool's current owners - Fenway Sports Group - put the club for sale last month but they will want to ensure the team is left in good shape.
Despite reports in Germany that Dortmund would demand over £130million for Bellingham next year, there are strong rumours of a release clause in his contract.
Bellingham's status has continued to rise having forced his way into England manager Gareth Southgate's starting eleven.
The teenager scored his first senior international goal when he headed home Luke Shaw's cross in England's 6-2 win over Iran in their opening World Cup group game.
Bellingham produced a devastating display in England's last-16 win over Senegal, assisting Jordan Henderson's opening goal in the 3-0 triumph.
Another driving run from midfield was central to the build-up to Harry Kane's first goal of the tournament, which gave England a 2-0 cushion on the stroke of half-time.
Bellingham has formed a close bond with Henderson during the tournament, insisting the Liverpool captain be given 'more respect' after the victory over Senegal.
Henderson also claimed Bellingham will 'keep going from strength to strength and being a big player for England.'
England's progression through the tournament has been accompanied by social media speculation that Trent Alexander-Arnold and Henderson are both chipping away at Bellingham trying to convince him to join them on Merseyside.
Carsten Cramer, the Dortmund managing director, has claimed that any pre-existing relationship between Jurgen Klopp and Dortmund won't impact the move, insisting Liverpool will not receive 'gifts'.
England continue their World Cup campaign on Saturday in Qatar, with a quarter-final against reigning champions France.