United lose out in Bellingham bid
RepoRts in Germany last night suggest United have lost out in the race for Birmingham City prodigy Jude Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund.
ole Gunnar solskjaer is hoping to add a centre-midfielder to his squad this summer and had earmarked the talented teenager as his top target in the position.
Bellingham only turned 17 last week but already has a near full season of experience under his belt with the Championship club, making 38 appearances in this campaign with four goals and three assists to his name.
United aren’t alone in their admiration of the player, however, and while Chelsea were also said to be interested, German newspaper BILD is reporting that Bellingham has opted to leave Birmingham and join Dortmund this summer in a 23m euro move.
It’s reported that he has signed a five-year deal at signal Iduna park.
If correct, it will come as a blow to United, who took Bellingham on a tour of Carrington in March as they tried to convince him to move to old trafford.
However, Dortmund’s appeal with their proven track record of developing talented youngsters into megastars – the most notable example being Jadon sancho – appeared to make Dortmund the favourites in the chase.
It’s understood Bellingham was viewed as a prospect for the future for United and may have found his first-team opportunities limited for next season with paul pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Nemanja Matic, scott Mctominay and Fred all ahead of him in the pecking order.
Regular first-team football, which he has had at Birmingham, was said to be a vital factor in Bellingham’s decision on his next move and he will likely get more opportunities at Dortmund than in ole Gunnar solskjaer’s side.