Jude Bellingham handed brutal reality check ahead of Real Madrid clash with Braga

Bellingham was courted by the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City back in the summer, when it was evident he'd be leaving Borussia Dortmund behind.

Yet he opted to join Real instead.

Bellingham hasn't looked back in the time since, scoring 10 goals and clocking up three assists across all competitions.

He is becoming a prominent figure for the club, with a huge number of fans buying shirts with his name emblazoned on the back.

Bellingham recently said he wanted to stay at Real for many years to come.

But Merson thinks the England international has 'no challenge' in Spain - and that his brilliant displays were inevitable as a result.

"Only time will tell but I'm sure the challenge of the Premier League will appeal to Bellingham," he told Sky Sports.

"If I'm being honest, I don't think there is much of a challenge at Real Madrid.

"He's obviously ripping it up in Spain, but I half expected him to do that.

"I don't know any good players that have gone to Spain and not done well.

"No disrespect to Real Madrid and La Liga, but I would like to see him in the Premier League one day.

"Maybe in four or five years when he's done all he needs to do in Madrid.

"He's a top player and it will be a natural progression for him to come back to England and the Premier League when the time is right for him."

Bellingham is set to start when Real Madrid face off against Braga in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

And it's been a strong start to the season for Carlo Ancelotti's side so far.

In Europe they've clocked up victories over both Napoli and Union Berlin to secure six points from six.

They edged Napoli in a 3-2 thriller, with Bellingham scoring a stunning solo goal.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• Jude Bellingham 'was approached by England boss Gareth Southgate over arrogance concerns' as details emerge
• Tyson Fury accused of lying in tense argument ahead of Francis Ngannou boxing showdown
• Football fans make feelings clear after Jill Scott shows off new X-rated England tattoo

And the former Birmingham and Dortmund star netted a last-minute winner against Union Berlin on matchday two.

In La Liga, Real have won eight of their 10 matches so far.

But their biggest test yet is coming on Saturday when Los Blancos lock horns with fierce rivals Barcelona.

The Catalan giants are the reigning La Liga champions.

And they'll go into the game looking to close the gap on Real at the top of the table.

While Bellingham has flourished for Real, meanwhile, he's also impressed for England.

And Declan Rice hailed the youngster last week, saying: "He is the type of person I like to be around - we're on the same page.

"He's one of the jokers of the team, such a bright bubbly character who wears his heart on his sleeve.

"When things don't go right, he says it. That is the biggest compliment - he is young but says how it is and is there to better himself and better everyone.

"He is one of the leaders - in the way he plays, how he takes the ball and how he presses, how he gets after players, how he talks in the dressing room afterwards. He is one of the leaders."

He added: "Even when he was at Birmingham and started training with us, it was like he was 30 years old.

"Now he's playing for Real Madrid he knows how good he is himself - he is playing with that confidence and belief. And we know how good he is. He is on his way to big things."