Manchester United have been told there are four things they need to do to have a chance of signing Jude Bellingham.
The England midfielder has been incredible this season, taking his form for Borussia Dortmund onto the international stage this week.
And Bellingham looks certain to dominate next summer’s transfer window, with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid set to rival the Red Devils for his signing.
According to Richard Fay of the Manchester Evening News, United’s chances of winning that battle are slim, but they can be boosted with certain guarantees.
Firstly, a defined role would be needed for Bellingham, who turned to Dortmund two years ago in search of a clear path to first-team football.
That is unlikely to be a problem for United, who were desperate to add another midfielder capable of moving the ball forward last summer.
Erik ten Hag failed to sign Frenkie de Jong, but Bellingham certainly fits the profile of a dynamic midfielder and could fit the role perfectly.
Next, United must have a clear vision of the club’s future.
The feeling that the club is serious about moving forward and backing Ten Hag’s vision would be crucial here.
This summer’s spending spree may have helped in that regard, but the next key factor will depend on how well the club’s gamble pays off.
Champions League football would be essential to show that the project has the drive to match the ambitions of a great player like Bellingham.
Recovering from a difficult start to the season has increased optimism around Old Trafford, but form must continue to improve to ensure participation in Europe’s biggest competition, a competition Bellingham already knows well.
The final key factor would be to make a strong case for a Premier League title during Bellingham’s time at the club.
He has been elusive for the past decade, with Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp currently dominating England’s top flight.
But as Erik ten Hag said in his first press conference as Manchester United manager:
“An era may come to an end.” 
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