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RING THE BELLS
Man Utd lead transfer chase for £50m Jude Bellingham, 16, after blowing him away with red carpet treatment
MANCHESTER UNITED feel they have not lost out in the race for Jude Bellingham after laying on the charm offensive for the Birmingham wonderkid.
The 16-year-old England attacker is being chased by Europe's elite this summer after starring in his debut season for the Blues first team.
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The talented forward has held talks with United, Chelsea and a number of other clubs, with Borussia Dortmund thought to be front-runners.
But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is determined to land the youngster in an initial £35million deal, rising up to £50m with addons.
It is understood Bellingham was “blown away” by United when he was shown around their Carrington training complex last month.
He was joined by his parents as he held talks with Solskjaer, legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson and chief transfer guru Matt Judge.
An Old Trafford source said: “We felt that he was blown away with what he was shown and what was said to him by all.
“We believe he was impressed with what we can offer. We have a duty of care to young players and want to develop them.”
COMFORT LOAN
SunSport understands Birmingham are keen to get Bellingham back on a season-long loan deal after making a transfer away this summer.
But the Blues – who gave permission for him to talk to other clubs – will be told by United they are keen for him to stay at Old Trafford.
Birmingham are struggling financially with the coronavirus pandemic not helping their situation, and getting him back temporarily would suit them.
It is understood the £15m in further add-ons, which is based on future success, is more important to have inserted in his contract.
United have made it clear they are not prepared to offer Bellingham the type of wages he would be able to earn elsewhere.
He earns a scholarship wage of just £145 a week at present, with rumours suggesting Dortmund could give him a staggering £60,000 a week.
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The Stourbridge-born prospect would only earn half of that – around £30,000 a week – if he was to sign with the Red Devils.
That would still make the teenager – who won't sign his first professional contract until his 17th birthday in June – the highest-paid player in the world at his age.
Bellingham only made his club debut this season at 16 years and 38 days old in the Carabao Cup against Portsmouth.
He became their youngest ever player that day at Fratton Park and has gone to make 35 appearances and scored four goals this campaign.
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