Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand says he has seen enough of Birmingham City midfielder Jude Bellingham to believe that it is worth shelling out £30m on the teenager.

The Red Devils are reportedly in a tug of war with Borussia Dortmund for the 16-year-old, with Chelsea and Bayern Munich also interested, and Ferdinand thinks it could prove to be a bargain in the long run if they manage to sign him:

“If you’re paying £30m, if we keep him for 10 years it’s money well spent. It’s a gamble, it’s an expensive gamble, but the kid to be playing in the Championship and doing what he’s doing and looking the player he is, it’s a gamble yeah but a calculated one. I think he’s someone I would 100 per cent take. If I’m Man United now, go in and get him.”

Bellingham is still said to be mulling over where he wants to be playing his football next season. Dortmund have reportedly offered better personal terms than United but the young talent may want to stay in England.

Despite his young age, the midfielder has made 35 appearances in all competitions for Birmingham this campaign, scoring four goals and providing three assists. He can play right across the pitch, having played in central midfield, on the left and on the right in the Championship for the Blues.