Real Madrid are closing on an agreement with Borussia Dortmund for England star Jude Bellingham.
Talks are at an advanced stage for the 19-year old who had been the most coveted of transfer targets this summer.
Liverpool ruled themselves out of the running last month with the cost of the fee plus wages, reputedly of around £400,000 a week, too much for them to consider.
Manchester City and United also wanted Bellingham but Madrid have moved to the fore after talks in recent weeks with a delegation travelling to Germany last week.
They are continuing discussions with their Dortmund counterparts over the final fee and bonuses but believe they are within reach of finalising terms.