Liverpool lead the race ahead of English star Jude Bellingham

England star Jude Bellingham remains Liverpool’s number 1 transfer target regardless of any change of ownership – amid rumors there is a release clause in his contract with Borussia Dortmund.

The midfielder’s electric World Cup appearances have only increased interest in the 19-year-old Sports mail understands that Liverpool are ahead of Manchester City in the race for him.

Liverpool’s current owners – Fenway Sports Group – put the club up for sale last month, but they will want to make sure the team stays in good shape.

Jordan Henderson and Jude Bellingham are England’s unlikely double act, inspiring their bid for World Cup glory in Qatar

The pair formed a bromance during the World Cup, but it’s been a long time in the making

Any new owner will also want to ensure that the sporting side is taken care of and Bellingham is emerging as a world class player.

Recent recruitment at Anfield, including the signing of Arthur Melo from Juventus on loan, has been aimed at creating space for Bellingham.

Despite reports in Germany that Dortmund would be paid more than £130 million for Bellingham next year, there are strong rumors of a release clause in his contract.

Real Madrid and Chelsea are expected to be other clubs in pursuit of the teenager, whose World Cup performances have only increased his value.

Bellingham is performing well in what will probably be his last season with Dortmund

Bellingham headed his first senior international goal in England’s 6–2 win over Iran

He then put his partner Henderson in midfield to open the scoring against Senegal

Bellingham scored his first senior international goal when he headed home Luke Shaw’s cross in England’s 6–2 win over Iran in their first World Cup group stage match.

Starting every game to date, he also scored Jordan Henderson’s opening goal in Sunday’s 3-0 last-16 win over Senegal.

Bellingham has developed a close relationship with Liverpool midfielder Henderson throughout the tournament.

“He’s a one-off and we just have to let him enjoy his football,” Henderson said after the game in Senegal.

“He’s only 19, so let him enjoy it. He’s been incredible in this tournament, but that’s been the case at Borussia Dortmund for a long time and he’s carried it here.

Bellingham has also developed a close relationship with Henderson’s Liverpool teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold as the midfielder continues to be linked with a move to Anfield.

“He will continue to go from strength to strength and become a great player for England.”

Bellingham stood next to Henderson as he uttered these words in the mixed zone and joked ‘you ruined it for all of us’ when a reporter asked about the pair playing together at Liverpool.

England will continue its World Cup campaign on Saturday evening with a quarter-final against France.