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Carlo Ancelotti plays down suggestions Jude Bellingham could join Real Madrid

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 07 January 2023

Ancelotti plays down suggestions Bellingham could join Real Madrid

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti plays down suggestions that his club will attempt to sign Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham this summer.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has cooled suggestions that his club will attempt to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund during this summer's transfer window.

The speculation surrounding Bellingham's future continues to gather pace, with many of the world's biggest clubs said to be determined to sign the England international.

Liverpool and Manchester City are leading the Premier League interest, but Real Madrid also continue to be heavily linked with the 19-year-old.

There could be an issue when it comes to the midfielder's wages, though, as it is understood that the Spanish and European champions will not break their wage structure for him.

Ancelotti was asked about Bellingham during his press conference to preview the La Liga clash with Villarreal this weekend.

Jude Bellingham celebrates scoring for Borussia Dortmund on September 14, 2022 © Reuters

Ancelotti picked out the Englishman as one of the most talented youngsters in world football, but the Italian said that he would be more than happy to 'stick with his midfielders'.

Federico Valverde, who is now largely used as a right-sided forward, is just 24 years old, while Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni are 20 and 22 respectively.

"There are a lot of youngsters, like Enzo [Fernandez], and a lot of midfielders who are coming through, some of them Spanish," Ancelotti told reporters.

"Bellingham is one of them, but I'll stick with my midfielders, who are very good, especially the youngsters, like Valverde, Camavinga and Tchouameni. We have a lot of young players."

Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni during the warm up before the match on September 3, 2022 © Reuters

Bellingham will not be on the move during the January transfer window, while Dortmund are in a strong position to keep hold of him, as his contract is due to run until June 2025.

However, the former Birmingham City youngster is likely to inform BVB of his desire to leave this summer.

Bellingham, who was a key player for England at the 2022 World Cup, has scored three goals and registered two assists in 15 Bundesliga appearances this season.

Meanwhile, the youngster starred for his German club in the group stage of the Champions League, scoring four goals and registering one assist in five appearances.

Man City are said to view Bellingham as a key part of their midfield revamp this summer.