Erling Haaland has revealed he talked 'a lot' about England with former Borussia Dortmund team-mate Jude Bellingham before signing for Manchester City earlier this summer. The Norwegian frontman then dropped a hint regarding whether or not the 18-year-old will return to English football in the coming years.
It's clear that the Blues need a midfielder moving forward and Bellingham is somebody who has been targeted in the past.
Now an established international player with England, there aren't many midfielders around more valuable than the 19-year-old. It goes without saying that there are plenty of clubs from around Europe that have an interest in him - although a move away from Dortmund this summer looks highly unlikely, football.london understands.
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"The only future I think about is the next game for Dortmund," Bellingham said last month. "I look forward to next season, I look forward to it starting again. But yes, I will be here next season and I will be ready."
Next year though? Well, that's a different story. Unless Bellingham agrees on new terms with the German club before the 2023 summer transfer window rolls around, then he will go into the transfer market with two years left to run on his contract. Dortmund would likely be more tempted, or open, to selling the young star.
Reports in Germany have suggested that Borussia Dortmund won't listen to any offers lower than €120million (£103million) next summer. However, Chelsea are expected to be among the bidders if that rumoured price is indeed true.
Plus, if Haaland's words are anything to go by, the youngster may favour a return to his homeland. Speaking at his unveiling as a Man City player, as cited by The Echo, Haaland was quizzed about his relationship with Bellingham: "Yes (he was my best mate), he was a good guy.
Haaland was then asked if he thinks Bellingham will be back playing his football in England next summer: "Good question," the Norway international replied with a smile. "We will have to see."
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