Man Utd transfer news: Erik ten Hag moving relentlessly towards incredible £79m signing with two rivals blown away

The England international, who is still only 19, is one of the world’s most sought-after players. He has evolved quickly under the yellow and black of Borussia Dortmund’s jersey and already appears to be the great transfer story of 2023. Indeed, demand for Bellingham seemed to be increasing by the week.

That pursuit appears to be spearheaded by Liverpool, who is planning to significantly rebuild its midfield in 2023. Indeed, their need is well established, with three openings in their midfield expected to open soon. As a result, James Milner, 37 in January, is almost certainly in his final season at Anfield. Furthermore, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are reaching the conclusion of their contracts and will almost certainly leave as free agents.

To stay ahead of their competitors, the Reds are said to have already held negotiations with Dortmund about a possible move. The Bundesliga club’s interest in one of their own players may also provide them a significant edge.

However, questions over his fee may still work against Liverpool. The Bundesliga club is apparently willing to pay up to £105 million (€120 million) for a player who will not turn 20 until June.

Those allegations have now been widely deflated, with Dortmund apparently willing to accept a cost closer to £79 million (€90 million). However, sources indicate that his prospective customers would be required to pay the entire fee up front, rather than in installments. If such were the case, Liverpool would undoubtedly be eliminated from contention.

Indeed, they are not alone in their curiosity in Bellingham.

He’s also on the radar of numerous other clubs, with a summer 2023 move appearing increasingly plausible.

Man United is in pole position to sign Jude Bellingham.
In fact, Real Madrid is said to be interested in Bellingham. They will need to replace experienced players Luka Modric and Toni Kroos in the near future, and the England star is considered as the ideal candidate.

However, any request by Dortmund to receive the sum in advance would also take them out of the running.

Manchester United, on the other hand, appears to be able to meet their demands.

According to reports on Friday, Bellingham was one of two key midfield targets Erik ten Hag was hoping to sign in 2023.

According to Saturday’s AS (print edition, 01/10), United is pushing itself at the forefront of the competition for his signing. According to the Spanish publication, United is rushing to sign him. Furthermore, they imply that United has the financial clout to outbid their two main rivals for his signature.

In addition, they report that Borussia Dortmund is aggressively looking to re-sign Bellingham. This could result in his contract being extended beyond its current expiration date of 2025.

They will also give the teenager a raise and increase his buyout clause to £131.9 million (€150 million). Even if that occurs, it is expected that United will be able to strike an agreement on his signing.

BVB are fighting a losing battle as midfielder Bellingham appears likely to return to the Premier League next season, with the race to recruit him heating up.

While Dortmund would like to keep him, the club has a history of selling one significant star each year. The cycle has been repeated for numerous seasons, with recent departures including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Christian Pulisic, Jadon Sancho, and Erling Haaland.

As a result, if Bellingham is next, there will be few surprises.

And they stand to earn handsomely from their initial £25 million investment.

Despite this, Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl insists that the club is aiming to break the chain with the England international.

“Jude is really pleased at the club, and he is very committed to us,” Kehl explained to BT Sport. “I hope he can stay next season and for a long time.” Then we return to the beginning of the interview, attempting to retain our top players.

“Jude is one of them, and we aim to keep them as long as we can.” But we’ll see what happens, but not right now. We’d like to amend the policy, but we’re already in the market. And we’d like to keep our greatest players for longer than the last few years – which is sometimes impossible.

“The most essential thing for players is that we want to play for titles.” They want to be at a club where they can grow. But, in the end, money is a factor, and England pays significantly more than Germany. Every year, we must update our philosophy.”