By Kevin Campbell

9th Dec, 2022 | 9:05am

Pundit can't believe 'sneaky' Liverpool stars have 'tapped up' Jude Bellingham after new claim

Kevin Campbell has claimed Liverpool stars trying to “tap up” Jude Bellingham is inevitable but their efforts are unlikely to influence his final decision.

The former Arsenal striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 19-year-old must have his “best interests at heart” as he prepares to pick his next club.

Speaking to Sky Sports (via ESPN, 6 December), former England defender Gary Neville claimed “sneaky” Liverpool stars like Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold are “cuddling up” to Bellingham ahead of a potential Anfield transfer.

According to German outlet Bild (7 December), the midfielder’s parents want him to join Liverpool – with Borussia Dortmund demanding £130million for his signature next summer.

Bellingham, who has been one of the stars of this year’s World Cup, has also been linked with Real Madrid, Man City, and PSG.

Campbell told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Players want to play with the best, don’t they?

“These Liverpool players are going to do that. Bellingham is coveted.

“But the bottom line is that you can say what you want to a player and try and tap him up all you want – but there is a lot more that goes into transfers like this.

“It’s gonna happen. These players are going to speak about a move because they want Liverpool to be the best they can be.

“But Bellingham and his people won’t take that into consideration. They’ve got to have their own best interests at heart, and they’re going to have a big decision to make very soon.

“It’s a big opportunity for him.”

In other news, Football Insider has a significant Liverpool director of football update after “shock” move confirmed.