Manchester United look to be edging close to a deal for Jude Bellingham, with the Birmingham City sensation at the club’s training ground on Monday afternoon.
Speculation has been rife regarding the 16-year-old’s future following his superb breakthrough campaign for the Championship club.
Borussia Dortmund have recently been heavily tipped to win the race for the England Under-17 ace, but it appears United are going all out to sign him.
Bellingham was at Carrington on Monday afternoon, with Birmingham giving him permission to hold talks with interested clubs ahead of a transfer in the summer.
The teenager, who has four goals and two assists in 32 Championship appearances this term, was given a tour of the training ground along with his parents.
They are understood to have met United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and transfer negotiator Matt Judge.
The United chiefs were pictured leaving Carrington shortly after Bellingham’s dad Mark was seen driving away from the ground.
Bellingham became the youngest ever scorer and youngest ever appearance maker for the Blues this season – smashing the previous 49-year record set by England legend Trevor Francis – and fits the profile of the type of player Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to bring to the club.
Solskjaer is keen to develop young, hungry, homegrown talent and, having brought in Daniel James, Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka last summer, now has Bellingham in his sights.
Old Trafford deal-makers will have to fork out a large sum of money for the midfielder, however, with Birmingham demanding a fee in the region of £50million for his services.
Bellingham currently earns just £145-a-week and he is not officially allowed to sign with any clubs until he turns 17 in June.
Birmingham boss Pep Clotet recently said he would support Bellingham in any way possible as speculation continues to rise 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 grounded. His family have done a fantastic job on him and we are working together to make sure it stays like this and his mentality stays the same.
“All the lads in the locker room are now keeping him grounded.
“He has been massive for us the whole season.”
