WHAT ARE JU DOING?
Man Utd transfer blow as teen star Jude Bellingham, 16, has ‘decided to move to Borussia Dortmund’
BIRMINGHAM whizkid Jude Bellingham has reportedly decided to move to Borussia Dortmund in a huge blow to Manchester United.
The 16-year-old star has been on the Red Devils' radar all season, having burst on to the scene at St Andrew's in August.
1
And he would appear to be an ideal fit for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who is trying to build a young hungry squad to challenge Liverpool and bitter rivals Manchester City.
But having seen Jadon Sancho explode into Borussia Dortmund's first team and become one of Europe's most sought after talents, Bellingham has decided to follow in his footsteps, according to German outlet .
Given the first team opportunities English players are handed in the Bundesliga, the talented midfielder is reportedly set to snub United and has already chosen a move to the Westfalenstadion.
MAN UTD NEWS LIVE: Follow for the latest United news
Only last week it emerged Bellingham's father Mark believes a move to Dortmund will be better for his son's football education.
The player's camp are keen for him to continue getting regular exposure to first-team football, even after stepping up a level.
Since making his senior Blues debut in the League Cup back in August, Bellingham has racked up 35 appearances in total for Pep Clotet's side - despite not turning 17 until later this month.
While getting first-team minutes at Old Trafford immediately would seem a tall order, there may be more of a quick path to playing time in the Bundesliga.
Sancho is the obvious example of a teenage star getting ample first-team opportunities over the last couple of seasons at BVB - but he is not the only one.
At 17, Gio Reyna has been making significant waves for Lucien Favre's side this season - while teenage import Erling Haaland has also made incredible strides in a short period of time.
Chelsea star Christian Pulisic was another to be trusted early on, making his Dortmund debut at just 17 as well.
Despite Bellingham having not committed to signing his first professional contract with Blues in three weeks' time, the Championship side are believed to be relaxed about the situation.
MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
Release figures over a potential transfer, dependent on first-team appearances, are believed to have been inserted into his current scholarship contract.
Which will guarantee Birmingham a handsome fee for their star asset, whether or not he signs a pro deal.
Last month, Man Utd were also linked with a move for Bellingham's younger brother Jobe, 15.
Prince William announces Emirates FA Cup 2020 will rebrand as Heads Up FA Cup in support of mental health campaign
Topics