Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham is Manchester United’s number one midfield target for the summer transfer window, according to The Athletic‘s Laurie Whitwell.
The journalist reports that the 18-year-old “tops” the Red Devils’ shortlist, with the likes of West Ham’s Declan Rice also among those being considered:
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🔺 Haidara move has support but no talks advanced on any player@TheAthleticUK #MUFChttps://t.co/M6qnR1dUee— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) January 16, 2022
United are likely to face fierce competition from other Premier League teams, with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City having been mentioned as potential suitors for Bellingham in recent months.
There are also other obstacles to overcome. Dortmund are thought to be reluctant to sell Bellingham, with reports that they may hold out for as much as £90m.
United tried to sign the England international before he moved to Germany from Birmingham in 2020, so communication lines with the player’s agent and family are likely to be still there.
Even so, considering the Red Devils are in a state of transition, it may be a tough task to convince Bellingham that his future lies at Old Trafford.