Liverpool may miss out on £103M star target because of Manchester United - cruel twist of fate for the Reds?

Liverpool missing out on a key target earlier this summer could be responsible for them missing out on Jude Bellingham next summer.

The Reds fought hard to sign the highly coveted Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni earlier this summer but fell short of the might of Real Madrid.

Since then, Jurgen Klopp has opted not to sign a midfielder, despite heavy claims from fans, with a view to potentially signing Bellingham next summer.

However, with Liverpool seemingly putting all their eggs in one basket - a signing made by a rival may have already put the wheels in motion for Liverpool to miss out on an English star.

How missing out on Tchouameni could cost Liverpool Bellingham

The Reds were well in the mix to sign the Monaco star right at the start of the summer window.

However, the Frenchman opted for the bright lights of Real Madrid in a deal worth up to €100M.

Journalist David Lynch (no, not Hollywood director David Lynch) has talked about how Liverpool's season has changed as a result of them not signing Tchouameni this summer.

"[It] makes you wonder whether a transitional season was accepted by the club’s hierarchy once it became apparent they would miss out on Aurelien Tchouameni to Real Madrid this summer," Lynch explained.

He certainly has a point; the club has opted not to sign anyone this summer and it's looking like the clear plan right now, given when the injured midfielders come back, there are certainly a lot of options.

However, some are near 30, some are fringe players and some are out of contract which means next summer could be a busy one.

As far as the idea of 'Tchouameni could cost Liverpool Bellingham' goes, there already has been movement on this concept.

Manchester United have signed Casemiro and were happy to let him go due to the fee and his age, plus the fact that they've signed Tchouameni.

It's a smart move by them, as it frees up squad space and the young talent of Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga can start to build their careers at the club with the Brazilian gone.

With Real Madrid earmarking Bellingham as their 'main transfer target' for next year, the sale of Casemiro should worry Liverpool fans as the club is a player short but £70M better off.

That money could easily go towards the signing of Bellingham.

If Liverpool go toe-to-toe with Madrid once again, the pull of Los Blancos, the fame, money and potentially the prospect of taking over from Luka Modric may see Liverpool fall short once again.