Liverpool FC could look to complete a swap deal in January involving Naby Keita and Jude Bellingham according to BILDReports in Germany claim Borussia Dortmund would be happy to accept as they are targeting Keita on a free for next summer

Liverpool Jude Bellingham Transfer Problem

Liverpool have reportedly been told Borussia Dortmund would accept Naby Keita plus cash in exchange for Jude Bellingham. The Guinean previously enjoyed a successful stint in the German top flight with RB Leipzig but has been unable to replicate this form on Merseyside during his four-year stint at the club.

It is no secret that Jurgen Klopp would like to sign the promising young midfielder with the club facing an increasingly pressing need to improve his options in the centre of the park in the short and long term. However, the Reds will face stiff competition for his signature with the teenager attracting interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe including Real Madrid and Manchester United. 

There are also hurdles to overcome with his price tag. Dortmund are expected to want in excess of £100m for the prodigious talent. This will certainly prove to be too much for Liverpool this winter and as such the club have been forced to consider more creative solutions in their pursuit of the England international. 

They have an opportunity to strike a swap deal though, with German outlet SportBILD reporting that Dortmund would be willing to entertain an offer including Keita. The same report claims Dortmund are interested in Keita and would take him plus cash for Bellingham - and would even accept such a deal if it was proposed in January.

The Guinea captain’s contract expires next summer but Klopp is keen to extend his deal. Keita however has failed to settle in England, regularly spending more time on the sidelines than he does on the pitch, making 117 appearances and scoring 11 goals since arriving in 2017. His departure would likely be well received by the Anfield faithful should it coincide with Bellingham’s arrival. 

The former Birmingham City midfielder has received strong praise from former Liverpool goalkeeper David James who believes he is worth every penny of his asking price given his immense potential.