Manchester United may well be looking to throw their name into the ring when it comes to the battle to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham this summer.
The England international, who scored one goal at the World Cup in Qatar at the end of last year, is widely expected to leave Dortmund at the end of this season and is already being linked with a plethora of big-name clubs across Europe. He has gone from strength to strength since joining the German heavyweights from Birmingham City in 2020 and is one of the most exciting prospects in the world.
As was the case with Erling Haaland last summer, Dortmund already know that they are going to struggle to keep hold of the 19-year-old and are no doubt already bracing themselves for a wave of offers. The likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid have been installed as the front runners to secure the youngster's signature, but the Reds are refusing to give up on bringing him to Old Trafford.
READ MORE: Dortmund issue Jude Bellingham update amid United interest
United want to add a younger and more dynamic central-midfielder to their ranks this summer and, as reported by the Manchester Evening News last month, have refused to rule out the prospect of making a fresh attempt to bring Bellingham to the club. The youngster visited Carrington back in March 2020 with his family and was given a tour of the club's training ground, as the Reds attempted to win the race for his signature, just months ahead of him choosing Dortmund as the next step in his career.
It is understood that Reds manager Erik ten Hag has told confidants that if he could sign any player in the world it would be Bellingham, highlighting just how much he rates him. He has all of the qualities you could wish for in a modern-day midfielder and his potential is sky-high.
The midfield ace, who has scored ten goals for Dortmund so far this season, was exceptional for England in Qatar, playing a central role in their run to the last-eight of the competition. He dominated games and made a strong impression on manager Gareth Southgate and several of his teammates, including United ace Marcus Rashford.
The Reds forward, who scored three goals himself in Qatar, waxed lyrical about his fellow countryman following England's 3-0 win over Wales in their final group game. Though Rashford scooped the Man of the Match award that night, as a result of scoring twice, he felt Bellingham was another worthy contender.
Hailing his performance, Rashford said: "For me, he's an unbelievable player. I think in two to three years, there won't be any debate about who the best midfielder in the world is.
"He can do everything on the football pitch. I think his running ability is just ridiculous; he can outrun anyone he plays against. He gets in the box, scores goals, defends, everything."
Having delivered such a glowing assessment of his quality and potential, there is no doubt that Rashford would love to be joined by Bellingham at Old Trafford in the summer. United have been monitoring the midfielder's development over the last few years and remain determined to sign him.
Though it is recognised that they are not at the very front of the queue to secure his signature, they are determined to be in the conversation. He is earning significant praise and plaudits from everyone who watches him and everyone he plays with, meaning they should do all they can, even if not successful, to try and bring him to M16.
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