Manchester United is one of Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham stakeholders.
A report surfaced a few days ago stating that Erik ten Hag was a huge fan of the talented 19-year-old and had placed him above long-term target Frenkie de Jong.
This came after a deal for De Jong proved elusive.
Reliable German journalist Florian Plettenberg has confirmed this news, as well as what the Red Devils will have to spend to secure Bellingham’s services.
Plettenberg reports: “He is the number 1 transfer target for Manchester United confirmed!
“They expect it to cost around 150 million euros, they have been looking for it a lot. Ten Hag wants it in 2023!
“But: the chances are low due to competition from Manchester City and Liverpool and due to financial Fairplay.”
X News #Bellingham (1): He is the #1 transfer target for #MUFC confirmed! They expect it to cost around 150 million euros, they have been looking for it a lot. Ten Hag wants it in 2023! But: Chances are low due to competition from #MCFC and #LFC and due to financial fair play! @SkySportDE
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) November 7, 2022
If United go ahead and decide to pursue their interest in Bellingham, they will first need to secure Champions League football at least before their Merseyside rivals.
Even then, Manchester City present a far greater attraction for Bellingham, for whom Pep Guardiola has made no secret of his admiration.
Spanish giants Real Madrid are also interested in the Three Lions international, whom they see as the final piece of the puzzle in their long-term rebuilding of the midfield that already consists of the likes of Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien. Tchouameni.
The astronomical €150m is also out of reach for United, who still have other priority areas to tackle and will likely prioritize a goalscorer and right-back in the summer transfer window.
It will be interesting to see how the Bellingham saga unfolds and what role United play in their second attempt.
