Manchester United dealt blow in Jude Bellingham pursuit

According to the Daily Star, Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their efforts to sign Jude Bellingham.

The player’s father is keen to see his son move abroad and follow in the footsteps of Jadon Sancho. With Borussia Dortmund also interested, it may very well become a reality. (h/t Daily Star)

Sancho has only gone from strength to strength since leaving Manchester City to move to Dortmund back in 2017. The Bundesliga star is one of the most sought-after players in Europe and rated at £100m. And now, Bellingham’s father is keen on his son following the same career path.

In spite of being talented, Bellingham will be hard-pressed to break into the United first team. He has more chances of doing so in Germany. Dortmund has a track record of developing young players which should appeal to the youngster.

Bellingham is seen as a generational talent who can make his mark in the senior side. Valued at £30m, Bellingham is a key target in United’s plan to secure the best young talents in world football. (h/t Evening Standard)

The 16-year-old is currently on a scholar’s deal worth about £145-a-week. He is able to sign professional terms on his 17th birthday on June 29.

Bellingham has two options then. He can sign the professional deal with a substantial pay rise, or allow his scholar’s contract to run into its second year. (h/t Daily Star)

At 16 years and 38 days, Bellingham is the youngest player in Birmingham City’s history. A versatile player, the youngster is capable of playing anywhere in the midfield, with him predominantly playing in the middle and on the right.

He has also represented the English youth sides from the Under-15 to Under-17 levels.

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If Bellingham moves at the end of the season, Birmingham would be entitled to a fixed sum in compensation for developing him since the age of eight.

It will be interesting to see if the youngster chooses United or decides to follow Sancho and joins Dortmund before next season.