First January Deal – Borussia Dortmund set huge asking price for Manchester United expected first signing as Liverpool and Chelsea join race

Dortmund will seek a British transfer record fee for Jude Bellingham this summer, with Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea vying for his signing.

The 19-year-old turned down a transfer to Old Trafford in 2020 in order to join Bayern Munich for £25 million.

Bellingham has thrived in the Bundesliga, and he now has 15 England caps after making his debut less than 18 months ago.

The player has been extensively connected with a move to Liverpool, which is understandable considering Jurgen Klopp’s desire to bring in a new midfielder.

However, both Manchester United and Chelsea are anticipated to battle for Bellingham, who is regarded as a once-in-a-generation talent.

Dortmund is determined to keep him, but Bellingham has only two years remaining on his contract, so this summer will be the club’s last chance to get the best price for him.

With that in mind, the Athletic report that the Germans will ask £131 million for Bellingham.

That would be a transfer record fee for a British player, surpassing Manchester City’s £100 million fee for Jack Grealish in 2021.

Last summer, Liverpool smashed their club transfer record by signing Darwin Nunez from Benfica for £85 million, while United made Antony their second most expensive player of all time after signing him for £85 million from Ajax.

All interested parties are likely to begin bidding for Bellingham around or near the £90 million mark.

Dortmund demanded £114 million for Jadon Sancho in 2020 before selling him to United for about £72 million a year later.