Liverpool want to sign THREE Portuguese midfielders if they miss out on Jude Bellingham deal

Liverpool have reportedly targeted three Portuguese midfielders if they miss out on the signing of Jude Bellingham this summer.

Boss Jurgen Klopp has made Bellingham his top priority this summer as the England international ponders his future away from Borussia Dortmund.

The Reds face competition from Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea to secure the services of the 19-year-old.

NaijaOnPoint understands that he will make his decision after the upcoming international break.

Therefore, Klopp is having to prepare a contingency plan in the event Liverpool lose out on the signing.

Liverpool have shortlisted Fulham’s Joao Palhinha and Wolves pair Matheus Nunes and Ruben Neves to bolster their ageing midfield.

Palhinha has been one of the revelations of the season after signing for Fulham from Sporting CP for a bargain £17million.

Manchester United are also believed to be monitoring Palhinha but Liverpool will be hoping to beat their arch rivals to the 27-year-old’s signature this summer.

The Reds will also need to steal a march on United if they want to land Wolves skipper Neves who has been a target for the Old Trafford club for some time.

Neves has just 15 months remaining on his existing deal and could be set for a cut-price exit this summer.

However, Nunes only arrived at Molineux last summer and like Palhinha at Fulham, has four-years remaining on his deal.

Wolves will be reluctant to lose Nunes and will only entertain a sale if the offer is too good to turn down.

Liverpool have struggled in midfield this season owing to injuries and loss of form with Klopp expected to bolster his options at the end of the season.

Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Naby Keita have all been below their best as Liverpool’s season took an unexpected turn.

Klopp’s side sit in sixth place following Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth which following their astonishing 7-0 thrashing of Manchester United the previous week.

Inconsistency has plagued Liverpool this season meaning they face a battle on their hands to finish in the top four.

Liverpool head to Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday looking to overturn a seemingly insurmountable 5-2 deficit from the Round-of-16 first-leg at Anfield.