Jurgen Klopp has likened talk of Liverpool pursuing a number of mega-money transfers this summer to a five-year-old asking for a Ferrari at Christmas.

It was revealed early this week that Liverpool have pulled out of the race to sign in-demand Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, with Klopp’s side prioritising spreading their cash around for a summer rebuild.

“You have to work with what you have,” Klopp said on Friday, when asked about his transfer plans and the end of the Bellingham pursuit. “You wouldn’t say as a five-year-old at Christmas you want a Ferrari. Whatever we need and want we try absolutely everything to get it but there are moments when you have to accept it’s not possible and step aside and do different stuff.”

Klopp repeated on more than one occasion that his responses were not linked to Bellingham directly – but reporters at his press conference pressed on with questions about the Dortmund superstar.

“My answer is not about Jude Bellingham,” a frustrated Klopp added. “I don’t understand why we talk about things we can’t theoretically have, like six players in the summer for £100nillion (each). You have to work with what you have.”

Bellingham had been top of Liverpool’s wish list for 18 months and Klopp even took the step of publicly singing his praises on Boxing Day last year when he described the 19-year-old as “exceptional” after the World Cup.

With Bellingham having indicated his next move would be governed by the football project at the club, it had appeared that Liverpool held sway in the race particularly as the England international has a close relationship with Anfield stars Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson.

Henderson, after England’s victory over Ukraine last month, said it would be “amazing” if Bellingham ended up on Merseyside but added whatever club does land him would be “very lucky” to secure a talent he described as “frightening”.

However, Liverpool took the early and pragmatic decision to focus on a group of signings this summer rather than one stellar addition who would effectively blow their entire kitty.

The likes of Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher at Chelsea are admired by Liverpool. Real Madrid and Manchester City are thought to be the frontrunners in the chase for Bellingham’s signature in the summer.

Liverpool go into this weekend’s clash with Leeds 12 points adrift of the top four and they face a real fight to get into Europe next season.

Asked about their ups and downs, Jurgen Klopp (pictured) said: “It’s a super strange season. I think we all agree it hasn’t been our best season but we’ve also had two of our biggest wins in our history. We haven’t been consistent and that’s been the problem.

He added, “Big fight, that’s the position Leeds are in. We expect them to be absolutely on their toes. A proper atmosphere, it will be a tough one but we have to build.”

• A Daily Mail report