Borussia Dortmund head coach Edin Terzic has predicted that Chelsea transfer target Jude Bellingham will dominate for England for years to come. The 19-year-old has quickly become an integral fixture in the German side since arriving at the Signal Iduna Park two years ago - so much so that the midfielder has been given the responsibility of wearing the captain's armband.
As a result, Bellingham has become a key part of Gareth Southgate's squad ahead of the World Cup in Qatar. And, Terzic believes that the teenage sensation has a bright future on the international stage.
"Borussia Dortmund is well known for offering young talents the platform to play at the highest level," said the Dortmund chief. "I think Jude is the oldest 19-year-old I’ve ever seen. He’s great on and off the pitch.
READ MORE: Chelsea, Arsenal, West Ham fans vent anger at 'unacceptable' Premier League Boxing Day decision
"We are really happy with him. It’s a win-win situation. Not only do we benefit from him, but Dortmund is also the right step for him in his development.
"Jude will have a big impact," the Dortmund boss added. "Not only tomorrow and for the rest of the season, but also with the England national team in the next few years. I've been lucky enough to work with Declan Rice at West Ham and I think both of them are going to dominate English football, in terms of the midfield positions, for the next decade.
"This season, Jude has a slightly different role within the team. He’s more attacking, he’s entering the opposition box many times. He already scored eight goals for us this season. This is the next step that we talked about with him before the season.
"We’re very happy that he is performing this way, but we know his development is not finished yet and we are here to support him and to find his limits."
Bellingham has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge lately as Todd Boehly looks to bolster the Blues' midfield options. He's been subject to long-term interest from Chelsea, football.london understand.
The west Londoners watched the England international during his time as an academy player at Birmingham City but, after failing to act on their interest, Dortmund swooped in and signed Bellingham instead.
According to The Athletic, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Real Madrid are in the race - alongside Chelsea - for the wonderkid. The report adds that Dortmund do not necessarily want to sell Bellingham, but they've set an asking price of €150million (£131m).
It's said that he does not have a release clause in his deal, so a bidding war could easily break out. The Telegraph have since said that the west Londoners are looking to jump ahead of Liverpool and Madrid, who are leading the pursuit.
READ NEXT:
The two Chelsea players 'bothering' Graham Potter and it's not Christian Pulisic or Kai Havertz
Why Mateo Kovacic 'streaked' across Stamford Bridge pitch after Chelsea draw vs Man Utd
Kalidou Koulibaly misses training due to injury ahead of key Champions League clash
Chelsea have dream Real Madrid midfield replacement as Todd Boehly turns to ambitious transfer
Chelsea's next five Premier League fixtures compared to Arsenal, Man City, Tottenham and Man Utd
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
