Jude Bellingham betting suspended with Real Madrid deal close

Betting was suspended on a summer transfer for Jude Bellingham after reports that he is close to agreeing personal terms with Real Madrid.

The Spanish champions had been one of a number of clubs thought to be interested in signing the England midfiedler, along with Liverpool and Manchester City.

This morning, before the betting closed, Bellingham was 11/4 to sign for the Bernabeu club from Borussia Dortmund.

The transfer gossip guru Fabrizio Romano tweeted on Wednesday afternoon:

"Real Madrid are close to complete deal to sign Jude Bellingham, confirmed. Negotiations are progressing to the final stages. Personal terms are almost agreed -- Juni Calafat, crucial again. New meeting has been scheduled to complete the agremeent with Borussia Dortmund."

Bellingham was England's best player at the World Cup in Qatar and his future has been the subject of intense speculation since then.

He is currently playing a key role for Dortmund in their bid to beat Bayern Munich to the German Bundesliga title.

Madrid, meanwhile, play Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday.

The arrival of Bellingham this summer would strengthen their midfield, adding youthful energy and limitless potential.