‘Don’t expect any gifts’ – Borussia Dortmund chief fires Jude Bellingham transfer warning to Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool

BORUSSIA DORTMUND managing director, Carsten Cramer, has issued a warning that it won't be easy for Liverpool to sign star-man Bellingham.

Cramer and Dortmund have a strong relationship with Liverpool following Jurgen Klopp's seven years at the helm of the German side, but the Dortmund director has said this won't soften their stance on the transfer.

Bellingham has been linked with a move away from the Signal Iduna Park for a while with many of Europe's elite queuing up to sign the midfielder.

Liverpool look favourites at the moment, but will face stiff competition from the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid in the race to secure the Bundesliga sensation's signature.

Cramer has made it clear that Liverpool will gain no favours or unfair advantage over their rivals in their pursuit of Bellingham when speaking to Vietnam News.

He said: "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."

The news will come as a blow to Liverpool's hopes of signing Bellingham with the 19-year-old's stock rising rapidly due to his stellar performances at the World Cup.

The former Birmingham City man only made his move to Germany in 2020, but has impressed with 19 goals and 21 assists for Dortmund.

The clubs interested in Bellingham will likely have to fork-out a huge sum with his current club said to be demanding at least £100million for the Three Lions star.

He has been a crucial part of Gareth Southgate's side at the World Cup starting all three of England's games so far in Qatar and netting the opener in their 6-2 thrashing of Iran.

HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP

Liverpool fans have been getting excited about the prospect of Bellingham making the switch to Merseyside after he featured in a Trent Alexander-Arnold Instagram post.

Both players will be in contention for a starting place as England gear up for their Last-16 tie in the World Cup on Sunday.

They face off against Senegal as they hope to push on and advance into the quarter-finals of the competition.