Manchester United will do everything in their power to hijack Liverpool’s move for Jude Bellingham, according to a reputed journalist.
The 19-year-old is one of the most sought-after midfielders in world football, having starred for England at the World Cup and been a lynchpin in the Borussia Dortmund midfield this term.
Bellingham has attracted interest from the Premier League’s richest clubs while he is also on the radar of some of the most successful teams on the continent.
Manchester City, United, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are all thought to be interested in pursuing a deal for the teenager, who will reportedly cost some £130million.
However, Liverpool have identified Bellingham as their No.1 transfer target. Jurgen Klopp’s side are languishing in sixth place in the Premier League, seven points from a Champions League spot, and are in dire need of midfield rejuvenation.
While the Reds are reportedly one of the favourites to sign the Birmingham-born star, they will face stiff competition from bitter rivals United.
Man Utd to ‘throw kitchen sink at Bellingham’
According to the Daily Telegraph’s Luke Edwards United are determined to sign Bellingham next summer.
Speaking on the BBC’s Transfer Gossip Daily, the journalist said: “Manchester United are going to throw the kitchen sink at it if they’ve got the money to do it, they will.
“Personally, I’d really like to see him in the Premier League, those people around him would like to see him in the Premier League as well.”
Edwards added: “They’re very much in the Bellingham race, let’s get that straight out there, they will definitely be in for Jude Bellingham in the summer.”
Liverpool have ‘good chance’ of signing Bellingham
However, it appears Liverpool have a realistic chance of winning the race for the England star, especially after Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti indicated Los Blancos would “stick with” their current midfielders rather than splash out on the teenager.
Furthermore reputed journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claimed the Reds have a “good chance” of getting Bellingham in the summer.
The Italian reporter told Caught Offside: “‘There’s not much in the way of hope that Jude Bellingham will stay at Borussia Dortmund.
“There isn’t a clause in his current contract allowing him to leave in the summer but they told him that if there’s a big opportunity for him he can leave.
“They have to talk if he wants to talk. I think they will have to talk. I noted on Twitter a few weeks ago that his father is very keen on the prospect of his boy going to Liverpool.
“I don’t think a January exit will happen, Dortmund doesn’t like to do that. Money will be the main point for Liverpool but don’t forget about Real Madrid, as they have more at the moment.
“I heard in Liverpool that Jurgen Klopp really wants him.
“We call him a ‘mancatcher’ – if he wants to pursue a person, he can do that but he also has to pursue the club. I heard the club has about £200-250m that they want to spend in the summer, so there’s a good chance they get Bellingham.”
