Manchester United FC have been lately linked to 17-year old English midfielder Jude Bellingham from Birmingham City. The teenager is held in high regards and has attracted attention from United and Dortmund. It is now reported that United might lose out on Bellingham due to another United target Jadon Sancho.
Borussia Dortmund is a club that is known to make low-key signings and make superstars out of players with potential. The German outfit is keen to tie down Bellingham with his first professional contract as he turned 17 recently. Dortmund are reportedly facing stern competition from Manchester United, who also want to bolster their midfield options.
Bellingham has been attracting United interest since a long time, as he along with his family were also present at Carrington. The 17-year old and his parents were given a tour of Carrington by none other than Sir Alex Ferguson. United were confident of securing the services of the highly-rated midfielder after his visit to Carrington.
Jude Bellingham has racked up a total of 34 appearances for Birmingham City in the Championship this season. Bellingham can play anywhere across the midfield and has scored 4 goals and provided 3 more in the Championship. The 17-year old is very strong and reliable despite his age and has also represented England in u-17 levels.
Birmingham City were reportedly valuing Bellingham at about £35m, before the pandemic, but have decreased it after the coronavirus outbreak. United and Dortmund have been encouraged to sign Bellingham this season, as the valuation might increase rapidly next season. But, it is believed that Dortmund are leading the race to sign Jude Bellingham from Birmingham City.
Bellingham wants to move away from Birmingham to get more exposure and wants guaranteed playing time. United planned to add him to the first-team training if they secured the services of Bellingham. On the other hand, Dortmund are reportedly guaranteeing him minutes for the first-team.
Bellingham is reportedly inspired by Jadon Sancho’s career and wants to make the same level of progress with Dortmund. United officials have also come out what with the fact that they don’t want to pay anymore than £50m for Jadon Sancho. United might be able to convince Dortmund to sell Sancho for about £50m-£70m and leave a way for them to sign Bellingham.