Transfer gossip: Liverpool to pair Jude Bellingham and Mason Mount in midfield?

Liverpool want Bellingham in January and are keeping tabs on another future World Cup winner, who doesn't get what he wants from Chelsea…

JANUARY BELLSLiverpool have set up the 'general framework' to sign Jude Bellingham in January, according to reports.

Bellingham are one of the hottest properties in world football with Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City all said to adore the teenager.

But Liverpool have been "busy behind the scenes forging a relationship with the Bellingham camp", according to Football Insider, and "have made progress on the general framework of what would be a contract club registration". '.

His father Mark Bellingham is seen as key to the midfielder's future and he 'believes Liverpool would be a perfect fit' for his son, although Champions League football is 'key in the final decision' .

Bellingham's current deal expires in the summer of 2025, but Borussia Dortmund would be willing to allow him to leave, 'even in January', but his valuation has passed the £100m mark and could yet increase if he thrives for England at the World Cup in Qatar.

But a move for Bellingham will likely depend on the owner of Liverpool.

FSG have put the club up for sale and it is claimed they will not shell out the huge fee required for the 19-year-old while they are still at the helm.

LIVERPOOL MOUNT-ING PRESSUREThe Reds could link Bellingham with fellow England international Mason Mount, with no breakthrough in contract talks with Chelsea as things stand.

Mount's current contract at Stamford Bridge expires in just over 18 months and although the Blues Academy graduate is keen to stay in west London, talks over an extension are at something of an impasse.

Todd Boehly hates losing Mount, whom he sees as a future Chelsea captain, and wants to reward his consistent performance with a new, improved contract.

But Mount is currently among the club's lowest earners and wants a deal reflecting his importance to the team, which has so far not been agreed,

Manchester City have been linked before and now The Guardian claims that Mount "is attracting interest from Juventus and Liverpool, who need to refresh their midfield options". p>

'HAKIM THE DEVIL'One of many Premier League stars set to play a bigger role for their country at the World Cup than they do for their club, Hakim Ziyech will be hoping for strong performances in Qatar will persuade AC Milan to end their Chelsea nightmare.

Milan were linked with Ziyech, who has barely featured under Graham Potter this season, this summer and could reignite that interest in January.

According to Calciomercato, although there is no obligation for the Serie A side to improve their options on the right in January, "because Hakim the Devil could make an exception ".