Manchester United are hoping to bring reported Liverpool transfer target Jude Bellingham to Old Trafford.
That comes via the Evening Standard who claim that United ‘would love’ to sign the England international from Borussia Dortmund.
The report claims that incoming new manager Erik ten Hag has been ‘assured’ that he will be backed in the transfer market. Bellingham is one of the players identified as being of interest.
However, United, and Liverpool for that matter, will reportedly have to wait until next year. That’s because a transfer for the 18-year-old is ‘unlikely’ to be sanctioned this summer.
The race heats up
Liverpool have been previously reported as being the favourites to land the teenager. The Mirror ran a story in December which named Anfield as his most likely destination.
However, with a player with Bellingham’s qualities, that race is always likely to be a crowded one.
Along with Liverpool, Real Madrid have also been mooted as being interesting in luring the teenager away from Germany.
Corroborating the Standard’s report, Sport Bild claimed last month that any deal for Bellingham is likely to have to wait until 2023.
Undercover agents
There is one thing which could unfortunately give United a slight edge in terms of attracting Bellingham. That being the presence of former Dortmund teammate Jadon Sancho at Old Trafford.
As two young Englishman plying their trade abroad, the two clearly became close. Sancho even labelled his then 17-year-old teammate as being ‘world-class’ via Bundesliga.com in 2020.
But not to worry, Liverpool have their very own undercover agent in Jordan Henderson. The Reds’ skipper appears to have taken Bellingham under his wing for England. As seen Hendo’s teasing of his younger teammate in training, they clearly have a good rapport.
Those little differences can help when there are many top clubs fighting over the same player. Liverpool will hope that United’s interest doesn’t go any further.
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