Manchester United appear to be close to a deal for Jude Bellingham, with the sensation of Birmingham City on the club’s training ground Monday afternoon.
There has been much speculation about the 16-year-old’s future after his superb revolutionary campaign for the championship club.
Borussia Dortmund have recently been under heavy pressure to win the race for the British under-17 ace, but it looks like United are working hard to sign it.
Bellingham was in Carrington on Monday afternoon, Birmingham giving him permission to speak to interested clubs before a transfer this summer.
The teenager, who has four goals and two assists in 32 league games this quarter, was given a tour of the training ground with his parents.
They are said to have met with United Executive Vice President Ed Woodward and transfer negotiator Matt Judge.
Bellingham has become the Blues’ youngest goalscorer and appearance maker this season – breaking the previous 49-year record set by English legend Trevor Francis – and fits the profile of the type of player Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to bring to the table. club.
Solskjaer is keen to develop hungry young talents and, having brought Daniel James, Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka last summer, Bellingham is now in his sights.
The Old Trafford negotiators will, however, have to shell out a large sum of money for the midfielder, Birmingham demanding fees of around £ 50 million for his services.
Bellingham currently earns only £ 145 per week and is not officially allowed to sign with any club until the age of 17 in June.
Birmingham boss Pep Clotet recently said he would support Bellingham in every possible way as speculation continues to mount over his future.
“I am happy to support Jude and I think we are doing something good not only for Birmingham but for English football.
“He is very rooted. His family has done a fantastic job on him and we are working together to make sure it stays that way and their mentality stays the same.
“All the guys in the locker room are now keeping him down.
“It has been massive for us all season.”