‘Let’s be serious’ - Newcastle United star rubbishes Liverpool Jude Bellingham transfer claim

Newcastle United star Callum Wilson has rubbished news that Liverpool have ended their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham.

It was reported that Liverpool finally decided that a move for the young England international would not make sense for the club anymore despite being touted as the most likely destination for the 19-year-old.

The Reds were said to be wary of being tied up in a bidding war with Manchester City and Real Madrid for Bellingham's signature and a potential lack of Champions League football next year may reduce the money available to spend.

However, Wilson argued that such reports and intent from Liverpool were nonsense as he gave his two-pence on the transfer debacle.

The striker spoke with West Ham United man Michail Antonio on the BBC Sounds' Footballer's Football Podcast this week as the two discussed the news with Liverpool fan and presenter Rickie Haywood-Williams.

Wilson said: "Let's be serious, they're saying they're pulling out because they want the fee to reduce, it's football politics. It's standard.

"You act like you're not interested and then all of a sudden it's, 'nah, we want you'. Liverpool is a top football club so you should be optimistic about getting anyone in your door at the end of the day."

It comes after Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher blasted the club for pulling out of the deal with patience wearing thin for Jurgen Klopp's tenure at Anfield.

In his column for The Telegraph, Carragher wrote: "The discontent that I and many Liverpool supporters felt when the Bellingham revelation emerged on Tuesday evening is about the realisation the entire season has been a write-off based on a false pretence – that the money was there to go big on a stellar player as it was with Van Dijk, while still adding further necessary reinforcements to go again. How can the club suddenly baulk at a valuation exceeding £100 million? They know that is the going rate for the best in class.

"What really infuriates me is the red herring that Liverpool have reached the conclusion Bellingham is too expensive on the basis of Klopp’s rebuild being bigger than initially thought. The club knows the elephant in the room is failing to sign a ready-made central midfielder last summer."

Manchester City now look to be favourites to sign the highly-rated midfielder with Real Madrid another possibility, although Bellingham could elect to stay at Borussia Dortmund for another season.