Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has declared Jude Bellingham an "exceptional" talent.

With Real Madrid and Manchester City also showing strong interest in the £100million teenager, Klopp took the unusual step of publicly praising a midfielder he'd love at Anfield next season - though January might be too early to conclude a deal.

"I think everyone agrees he is just exceptional," said Klopp as Liverpool return to Premier League action against Aston Villa on Boxing Day. "Imagine someone saw him for the first time, how old would they think he is? Nobody would get even close. He plays so mature, like a 28-year-old.

"He had an absolutely exceptional World Cup and is good in so many things. The things he can do already are difficult to learn and the things he has to improve are easy to learn.

Klopp hopes Borussia Dortmund midfielder Bellingham's friendship with club captain Jordan Henderson will help Liverpool's case while owner John W Henry looks to find backers to help finance the deal.

"I don't like to talk about money with a player like Jude," said Klopp.

"If we want to do him a favour, don't throw any hurdles in his development. That'd be really cool."