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Man Utd among ‘most interested’ clubs in Bellingham but De Jong remains an option

Manchester United are among the most interested clubs in signing Borussia Dortmund sensation Jude Bellingham next summer, The Independent report.

The Red Devils have held a long-term interest in Bellingham and the teenager was first on their radar in 2020 when he was at the start of his career with Birmingham City.

The 19-year-old was always clear that he wanted to join Dortmund with the assurance of game time but he could make a big-money move elsewhere next year.

It is now reported that United are one of the ‘most interested’ English clubs in the ‘generational talent’ but could face a direct fight from arch-rivals Liverpool.

However, Manchester City are also keeping tabs on him while Real Madrid continue to remain a lucrative destination if Bellingham eyes another challenge abroad.

While United’s interest in Bellingham is concrete, it is claimed that the youngster may choose his next destination based on how his suitors perform this season.

In such a case, United could miss out on his services. Hence, the Red Devils seem at a crossroads and have not ruled out signing Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong instead.

Bellingham would be a perfect signing for long-term success

De Jong is obviously a world-class talent but it was quite clear over the summer that he did not want to leave Barcelona despite regular attempts from United’s hierarchy.

His stance may change in either January or next summer with his limited game time but in our opinion, Bellingham should be United’s priority if it comes to choosing between them.

Bellingham will obviously be a more expensive purchase than De Jong (£75 million) with a price tag of around £130m, but he is six years younger and has a very high ceiling.

The teenage sensation could be a leading star for United from the number eight role for the best part of 10 or 15 years. The same can’t be said for De Jong, who has already entered his prime.

United will still need to convince Bellingham to join them and that could largely depend on the club qualifying for next season’s Champions League. It could be a minimal requirement.

As things stand, the Red Devils are in a far better position than Jurgen Klopp’s side in fifth with 15 points. The Merseyside outfit are presently lying 10th on the league table with just 10 points.

United also have the chance to qualify for the elite European competition by lifting the Europa League title. When compared to the Champions League, the Europa League is certainly easier to win.

Only time will tell whether the club can land Bellingham. A Champions League finish combined with a first trophy in six years would put them in a good position to sign one of the best upcoming talents.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com