Jude knows his best interests lie with Blues – Pep
PEP Clotet is not concerned about Birmingham City losing their crown jewel in the January transfer window.
Blues’ head coach was asked about last week’s speculation regarding Jude Bellingham, talk which suggested Chelsea are watching the 16-year-old.
Indeed, barely a week goes by without the supremely talented teenager being claimed to have attracted the attention of another of Europe’s giants clubs.
And with trading about to resume in three weeks’ time, Bellingham’s displays cannot fail but turn heads.
It has been claimed Manchester United, Bournemouth and Liverpool are all keeping tabs on the youngster, with Bayern Munich also linked.
But Clotet is playing it cool and insists Bellingham knows where his best interests lie.
“There will always be speculation and I decided a long time ago to stop worrying about the future and start focusing on just the present – and also stop worrying about the past,’’ he said.
“I think in football that works very well for me. You know what I would like, I would like every club in the world to come for Jude Bellingham. I would love to be in that position and love him to be in that position.
“And I know he understands how good it is for him and for his development to keep playing at Birmingham and if he does leave do it on his terms in his moment.
“I am not worried when our players are wanted by everyone – I like that.
We had one talk at the beginning of the season and it didn’t require another talk.
“The talk was simply, ‘focus on your task, focus on your job, this is what is demanded of your position and of you as a player. If your role changes you will be told again just do the best you can to do that and grow’.
“I have only seen him grow and follow that advice from the beginning, there is nothing in my mind that can make me think different about him.”
Bellingham has made 17 appearances for Blues this season, including 12 starts, and was involved in the team who chalked up a 3-2 victory at Reading on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Blues have been handed a massive boost following Jake Clarke-Salter’s dislocated shoulder.
The Chelsea loan youngster suffered the injury early at Reading and had to be taken to hospital.
There were fears the 22-year-old could be out for several months but after holding discussions with Chelsea it has been decided an operation is not required. That means the centre-back will miss a few weeks rather than months.
“The shoulder was put back in place, our medical team spoke to Chelsea’s medical team and they all agreed they are going with a conservative treatment on him – so no surgery because there is no damage on the bones,’’ said Clotet.
“We are working on his ligaments so we are expecting a return to full fitness in two to three weeks. Three weeks would be an achievement.”