Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand is hoping that Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham chooses to join Manchester United in the summer.

Reports over the weekend suggested that the Red Devils are serious about pursuing the England international and Ferdinand feels that the player’s arrival at Old Trafford may produce a “shift” in culture and mentality, which could result in his former team reviving their fortunes:

“Bellingham – English, flying the flag abroad, he’s done his bit in Germany. Time to come home baby. Manchester United. Bring him there. Make that your home, Jude. Shift the culture and take the club back to the heights it should be at.”

It should be noted that United do have an uphill battle in terms of beating their rivals to Bellingham’s signature. Real Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City are all believed to be ahead of Erik ten Hag’s side in the race for the teenager.

Things could, though, change in the coming months. If United are sold by the Glazers and the club finishes in the Champions League places, you can still see them making a big play to sign Bellingham. Dortmund’s reported asking price of €150m (£130m) is extremely high but it would certainly be a statement signing.