Dortmund beat off competition from Manchester United to sign the young midfielder from Birmingham City last year.

 

He featured 46 times for the German giants last season and is now one of the mainstays of their midfield at just 18, starting all of their opening three league games.

 

 

Bellingham has also earned eight England caps and rumours of a return to his homeland have already started in earnest.

 

There are claims that Liverpool have identified him as their primary target next summer, but according to German broadcaster Sport1, the Reds will face an ever reluctant Dortmund in any negotiations.

 

 

Bellingham has a contract until 2025 with Dortmund and the club feel there is no need to sell him next year.

 

Dortmund want to hold on to Bellingham for a few more years before potentially deciding to cash in on him in the future.

 

 

But the lack of a release clause means Dortmund will be under no pressure to let him go next summer.

 

Liverpool are expected to try but it has been claimed Dortmund do not envisage letting him go any time soon.