De Jong and three others listed as Man Utd board’s four Jude Bellingham alternatives with England star ‘no longer on radar’

According to rumors, Manchester United is no longer interested in signing Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham. So far, the England international has been in excellent form at the Qatar World Cup, starting all four of his country’s matches and powering them to the competition’s quarter-finals. He was on the verge of joining Manchester United during the summer transfer window of 2019 but instead chose to join Birmingham City.

Bellingham was shown around United’s training ground in 2019 while playing for Birmingham, and he even met club legends Sir Alex Ferguson and Bryan Robson.

Despite this, the adolescent left Birmingham for Borussia Dortmund after being guaranteed regular first-team play at the Westfalenstadion.

Bellingham’s status has risen since then, with the England star becoming an unstoppable presence for club and country.

United’s interest has always persisted, but the club is now said to be out of the running to sign the midfielder, who has also been connected with Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Liverpool.

Express Sport will now look at four players Erik ten Hag and the United management could try to bring to Old Trafford if they withdraw their interest in the midfielder entirely.

Frenkie de Jong
Let us begin with the obvious.

Back in the summer, Frenkie de Jong was United’s top transfer target, with Ten Hag believing that his tight relationship with his former Ajax midfielder would work in his favor.

However, the Barcelona star turned down overtures from his former manager to stay at the Nou Camp, despite having dreamed of playing for the La Liga giants since he was a boy.

There’s still no indication that United will be able to sign De Jong in the future, especially given how happy he is in Catalonia playing under Xavi.

However, United is expected to pursue the Dutch international in the future, particularly if Barcelona is unable to balance its books behind the scenes.

Sandro Tonali
Sandro Tonali is presently on leave after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the second time in a row, having also failed to qualify in 2018.

The midfielder, on the other hand, is a player deserving of playing on the largest platform of all, having risen to prominence in recent years.

He has emerged as Andrea Pirlo’s heir at AC Milan, helping the Serie A heavyweights win the Scudetto for the first time since 2011.

Nothing suggests Milan would want to lose their valuable asset, a deft passer, capable tackler, and commanding midfield dictator.

Having previously been connected with Tonali, United might stir heads if they launch a large bid.

Declan Rice
Declan Rice has hinted that he would leave West Ham in the future, revealing that he’d want to show off his talent in the Champions League.

“I see my pals here, who are playing Champions League, winning the big titles,” the England player, who plays alongside Bellingham at the international level, remarked. You only get one chance at a career.

“At the conclusion of your career, you want to look back on what you’ve accomplished and the most important games you’ve played in.” I’m a big dreamer, and I really want to do it.”

In the summer, United finally signed a defensive midfielder in the form of Casemiro.

Rice, on the other hand, would provide them with greater midfield unity and has been playing in a more advanced role for West Ham this season, transforming his game for the better as a result.

Adrien Rabiot
Many fans rolled their eyes in irritation when it became evident that United were interested in Adrien Rabiot back in the summer.

While Juventus is having yet another turbulent season in Serie A, the France international has proven his worth for both club and country so far this season.

Rabiot is presently starting for France at the World Cup and has impressed in the absence of injured Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante.

United only failed to sign the Juventus midfielder in the summer due to his mother, Veronique’s, pay demands.

However, given Ten Hag’s continued desire for reinforcements, a resurgence of interest cannot be completely ruled out.