Liverpool are going cold on signing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.

Dortmund are under no obligation to sell the former Birmingham City prodigy, who has no release clause inserted in his contract which runs until the summer of 2025.

The Athletic's David Ornstein is reporting: "As there isn't a release clause in Bellingham's deal, his employers have no obligation to sell, and that is among the reasons why it is anticipated it will take a very high price to alter their stance.

"That makes a deal challenging for every interested party and therefore — as things stand — it is regarded as increasingly unlikely that Liverpool will sign Bellingham in this summer's transfer window.

"The 19-time English champions have probably been more heavily linked than anyone else and manager Jurgen Klopp is a huge admirer.

"But the anticipated fee, the financial power of rival suitors and their reticence about entering a bidding war at the level expected has cast significant doubt on Liverpool's chances.

"It does not mean their pursuit is off and no firm decisions have been made, although sources with knowledge of the matter think City and Real Madrid are in stronger positions at the moment."