Jude Bellingham has been advised to stay in Germany and ignore Premier League interest for now, by Everton’s Andros Townsend.
Bellingham has been magnificent for Borussia Dortmund and has already established himself as one of their leaders despite still being just 19 years old.
That form was reflected in the England squad and he featured in the 6-2 win over Iran in the World Cup, scoring his first goal for Gareth Southgate’s side.
Bellingham joined Dortmund from Birmingham City in 2020 and opted for a move to Germany rather than a move to the Premier League, with Manchester United among his many suitors.
It proved brilliant for his development and the links linger over a return to English football.
There are plenty of teams who want him with Liverpool and Man City seen as English club favourites, Dortmund have reportedly put a £130m valuation on him and that could rise further.
But the Everton Townsend winger believes Bellingham might be better off staying where they are for now, warning that a huge transfer at this stage could lead to troubling scrutiny, as Paul Pogba and Jack Grealish have been confronted.
He told talkSPORT Breakfast: “I would say stay in there a bit longer. If he comes to the Premier League, he will hit £150million and have a similar effect to Paul Pogba.
“Bellingham are scoring goals but their main threat is not scoring goals.
“If he comes to the Premier League for £150million the media and everyone will expect him to score goals and when he doesn’t, even if he plays well, they will be on. his back, and we’ll have a Jack Grealish situation.
“For me, stay in Germany and keep doing what you’re doing, then maybe come back.”