Fabrizio Romano has refused to rule out Manchester United from making a bid for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham next summer.

Reports in the German media had claimed that the Red Devils were now out of the race for the England international but Romano is not prepared to say definitively that Erik ten Hag’s side have given up the ghost:

“As far as I understand, it’s not that Manchester United are out of the race. They want Bellingham, but they know Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid have different power on the market at this stage of their project. So Man United will try but they know it’s more than difficult.”

Reading between the lines, you do feel that Champions League qualification is vital for United to stand any chance of securing Bellingham’s services.

The competition for the 19-year-old is fierce, with Chelsea also said to be in contention to sign the player (in addition to the clubs that Romano mentions).

Dortmund’s reported price tag (which is said to be €150m / £129m) could yet see some teams drop out of the battle for Bellingham and, with United’s financial muscle, it isn’t wise to completely rule them out from making a move for the teenager.