Hey Jude, don't let me down.
Okay, so Beatles references aside, Jude Bellingham to Old Trafford always felt a stretch. Manchester United may be on the right track but they are not the finished article. A push for the title could come next season, but challenging for top honours at home and abroad still feels a slightly longer-term objective.
And Jude Bellingham is very much the here-and-now. The brightest prospect in world football seems destined for the bright lights of Madrid and a move to Real. United were keen on the 19-year-old but the Spanish giants have a unique lure and for a player who has already proven he is happy to migrate, a move to Los Blancos could turn him into a global superstar with a trophy cabinet to match. One saving grace for United is that rivals Manchester City would miss out on the Birmingham-born star.
ALSO READ: United confident of more contract renewals
Bellingham has scored 21 goals in 130 appearances for Dortmund and has been a major part of the team challenging for the Bundesliga title this season. He moved to Germany from Birmingham in 2020 and has established himself as a key player for England during his time in the Bundesliga. Reports claim personal terms are all-but agreed between Bellingham and Real, although Dortmund say they have yet to receive an official offer for the player.
It means United will need to look elsewhere to address one of their key summer objectives. A centre forward is the main target but the midfield, while strengthened by the arrivals of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, still requires a little re-modelling. And if Bellingham can't be the solution perhaps United could turn to his England team-mate.
Declan Rice has long been mooted as a United player of the future and, like Bellingham, seems set to move on this summer. He's been a standout performer for West Ham ever since breaking into the senior squad and is a regular for England.
He too impressed in the World Cup and, at 23, has a high ceiling and an ability to improve further. While he doesn't offer the same skillset of Bellingham, he would strengthen United's hand and save them money in the process.
READ MORE:
