RIO Ferdinand has suggested that Liverpool's Champions League last-16 exit at the hands of Real Madrid could impact their chances of signing Borussia Dortmund teenager Jude Bellingham this summer.

The Stourbridge-born 19-year-old is one of the most coveted players in Europe and Liverpool are one of the leading contenders to sign him.

However, Ferdinand believes the Reds' 6-2 aggregate loss to Madrid may have been a decisive factor for Bellingham, who may see more trophies in the Spanish capital. 

Former Liverpool stars Peter Crouch and Michael Owen could not disagree with Ferdinand's assessment in the BT Sport studio, with Crouch saying Klopp's side are in a 'transition' period which may be off-putting for an in-demand star like Bellingham.

Owen - who scored 158 times in 297 games for Liverpool - was worried that the club was not an 'exciting proposition' if they fail to secure Champions League football for next season. Liverpool are currently sixth in the Premier League - six points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham. 

It remains to be seen what Bellingham will decide to do, but Ferdinand believes Madrid's confident victory over Liverpool may well have swayed the youngster's decision.