Harry Diamond
Manchester United are reportedly ‘obsessed’ by winning the race to sign highly-rated Birmingham City youngster Jude Bellingham.
The teenage prodigy is attracting interest from several clubs across Europe following his emergence at the Championship side this season, becoming the youngest ever player and goalscorer in Birmingham’s history earlier in the campaign.
Bellingham has already held talks with Manchester United and was shown around the club’s Carrington training facilities alongside his family last Monday, despite the club imposing new safety measures at the location in a bid to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
United’s charm offensive is believed to have included the influence of former manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, alongside executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, the club determined to beat off strong competition to sign the 16-year-old this summer.
According to the Evening Standard, the Red Devils are ‘obsessed’ with landing the talented teenager, and are preparing a package worth around £30m including add-ons, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s rebuild continues with the potential acquisition of further emerging British talents.
United’s strongest competition is anticipated to come from Borussia Dortmund, the Bundesliga side believed to be leading the chase given their strong recent record in developing young players, including England international Jadon Sancho.
Bayern Munich and Chelsea are also believed to be willing to meet Birmingham’s valuation of the academy graduate, though United remain hopeful Bellingham will ignore other offers from some of Europe’s elite and decide his future is at Old Trafford.
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