Jude Bellingham Pays Homage to Zidane With Choice of Jersey Number at Real Madrid

• Jude Bellingham wants to wear the No. 5 jersey at Real Madrid next season
• The England midfielder is reportedly keen to join Los Blancos in the summer
• Zinedine Zidane wore jersey No. 5 at Real Madrid between 2001 and 2006

Borussia Dortmund midfielder, Jude Bellingham could wear the No. 5 jersey at Real Madrid next season, according to reports.

Los Blancos are said to be in advanced talks to sign the Englishman from Dortmund but a deal is yet to be agreed upon.

According to Sky Sports, the German club have not received any offer for Bellingham, although it is understood the Bundesliga side would demand €120 million for the 19-year-old.

Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain were all believed to be interested in signing the midfielder but it looks like Real Madrid are in pole position.

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As reported by BILD and tweeted by Madrid Xtra, Bellingham has decided to join Los Blancos and the decision said to be done. He reportedly wants to learn from Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.

Bellingham wants Zidane's shirt

Zinedine Zidane had mesmerised the world with his elegance, skill, and grace on the field. Bellingham had grown up watching the French legend's magical performances, which inspired him to chase his own dreams relentlessly.

According to Tribuna, the Englishman's preferred shirt number when he joins Real Madrid would be 5 - the same jersey number worn by the legendary Frenchman at the Spanish giants.

The report further states that Bellingham believes the number on his back could carry a deep significance and be something of a symbol to his dedication and also a tribute to the great Zidane.

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Jesus Vallejo currently wears the No. 5 shirt at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, although the Spaniard's current deal with the White Angels expires in 2025.

Bellingham idolises Zidane

In an interview with the English national team's official TikTok account, Bellingham was asked who he thought was the greatest footballer in history.

After only a moment's thought, the 19-year-old said: "Zinedine Zidane."

Liverpool finds Bellingham alternative

Meanwhile, Liverpool are considering a big-money move for Inter Milan star, Nicolo Barella this summer, after ruling themselves out of the race to sign Bellingham, Daily Mail reports.

Jurgen Klopp and the Reds' hierarchy deemed the midfielder's asking price - expected to be in excess of £130 mil - to be excessive and the club has decided to seek other options.

Bellingham had been at the top of Liverpool's list for over a season but the Anfield side appear to prefer spreading their money across multiple signings rather than spending on one.

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'Bellingham should stay at Dortmund'

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Borussia Dortmund legend, Stefan Effenberg stating Bellingham should stay in the Bundesliga for another season so he can grow as a player if he stays with Borussia Dortmund for another season.

The highly-rated midfielder has been constantly linked with a move away from the German side, with Real Madrid and Liverpool said to be frontrunners for his signature.

However, Dortmund are keen to keep hold of their star player and Effenberg believes it would be in Bellingham's best interests to remain with the side for one more term.