Pep Guardiola has sung the praises of Chelsea transfer target Jude Bellingham ahead of Manchester City's clash with Borussia Dortmund. The Spaniard insisted that the 19-year-old has the 'whole package' as he continues to impress for club and country.
The midfielder has been subject to long-term interest from Chelsea, football.london understand. The Blues watched the England international during his time at Birmingham City in the academy but, after failing to act on their interest, Dortmund swooped in and signed him instead.
According to The Athletic, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Real Madrid have joined the west Londoners in the race for the teenage sensation. The report adds that Dortmund do not necessarily want to sell Bellingham, but they've set an asking price of €150million (£131m).
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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 Chelsea are looking to jump ahead of pursuit leaders Liverpool and Madrid in the queue.
Speaking to the press ahead of City's Champions League bout with Dortmund, Guardiola revealed his great admiration for the midfielder. Many of Europe's top clubs are keeping tabs on Bellingham and a few of which will surely be sweating following the City boss' admission.
"Dortmund is a perfect place for young, talented players," Guardiola said. "Maybe if Bellingham went to a top Premier League team, he wouldn't get the minutes. The best way for a young player to get better is play minutes.
"At 17 he arrived, it's not just about the quality, he had a special mentality. He is already one of the captains of the team, to happen at 19 is quite impressive. It's not just about the goals, the whole package is really good. He's already playing for England at 19. We know the quality he has."
Bellingham has become a key feature in the German side since arriving at the Signal Iduna Park two years ago - so much so that he's recently been given the responsibility of wearing the captain's armband. The Englishman's growing CV will only court the interest of more clubs ahead of the summer.
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