Former England coach Glenn Hoddle believes Liverpool have lost ground in the race for Jude Bellingham's signing.
Hoddle rates Real Madrid as favourites to land Borussia Dortmund midfielder Bellingham.
"I'd love to see him in the Premier League, we all would," Hoddle told Goal. "But I have a feeling that Real Madrid is the place.
"I think he's the kind of kid who would say 'I'd love a bit of that', and if Real Madrid come calling, it's very tough to turn down.
"If he does come to the Premier League, I think it'll be to the club that makes him feel so, so comfortable, so much that they want him.
"Not money, more a club that has a project and makes it clear that he's going to be a massive part of it, and makes him feel comfortable.
"A few years back, Liverpool would have been number one, but at the moment they're down the pecking order a bit.
"They have to make him feel that he'll be the next Steven Gerrard for the club, because if they don't, they'll miss out. Me personally, I'd be surprised if he doesn't go to Real Madrid."