United tempt Bellingham

Carrington yesterday in a black Mercedes being driven by his father, Mark, a sergeant in the West Midlands Police and a prolific former non-league striker who is also his representative.

Interest in Bellingham is so great that there has even been talk of a staggered, performance-related transfer fee rising to as much as £50 million.

United and Chelsea’s biggest challenge in signing Bellingham is likely to come from Dortmund, with the player’s father thought to believe the Bundesliga could be a good move for his son at this stage of his career.

Dortmund, who beat United to the signing of Erling Haaland, have an excellent track record of developing talent and can point to the success of Jadon Sancho since his move from Manchester City in 2017.

Tahith Chong has ended speculation about his future by rejecting a move to Inter Milan to sign a new two-year contract with United. The 20-year-old winger was out of contract at the end of the season.

Chong has decided to commit his immediate future to Old Trafford, agreeing a deal that ties him to the club until June 2022 with the option of another 12 months.

United have also agreed to invoke an option in Nemanja Matic’s contract to extend it until the end of next season, but are in talks with the Serbia midfielder about a longer-term deal.

Meanwhile, United have confirmed plans to trial rail seating in the north-east quadrant of Old Trafford and expand the singing section, after announcing season-ticket prices had been frozen for the ninth successive season.