Manchester United In Negotiations With $96M Teenage Sensation [Details]

Manchester United are reportedly in negotiations with Borussia Dortmund's teenage sensation Jude Bellingham.

Under new boss Erik ten Hag, Manchester United are looking to bolster their midfield ahead of the 2022-23 season and their focus has turned to 18-year-old Bellingham, according to Corriere Dello Sport, The Faithful MUFC reported. The young English midfielder is one of the rising stars in European soccer and the Reds Devils are keen on landing him, especially since they have lost Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba.

It would take at least $96 million to sign Bellingham from Dortmund, according to The Athletic.

It was reported that Manchester United were close to signing established midfielder Frenkie de Jong from FC Barcelona. However, Bellingham has proved to be more versatile than the Dutchman. Considered one of the most complete midfielders around, Bellingham has proved to be effective in the No. 6, No. 8 and No. 10 roles for Dortmund. On the other hand, De Jong has only done well in the No.6 role.

Champions League winners Real Madrid, who failed to sign both Haaland and Kylian Mbappe this summer, are preparing to offer $94 million for Bellingham, according to Spanish radio station Cadena SER.

Los Blancos consider Bellingham as an ideal replacement for veteran midfielder Luka Modric, which was why they were interested in signing the Englishman, even if it means they have to wait an extra year as the 2022-2023 season will be Modric's last campaign as a Real Madrid player.

Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool are "certainly interested" in signing Bellingham, Football365 reported. However, they have already made a big signing this summer – Benfica striker Darwin Nunez, who joined the Anfield side on a six-year contract at a club-record fee.

Dortmund are not willing to lose Bellingham this summer after already parting ways with Erling Haaland. And this works out fine for both Real Madrid and Liverpool, who are expected to go all out next summer to land Bellingham.

Bellingham, who joined Dortmund from Birmingham City in the summer of 2020, has made a total of 90 competitive appearances for the German side, scoring 10 goals and providing 18 assists.