Manchester City have reportedly held initial talks to sign Jude Bellingham, a target for Premier League rivals Liverpool.
According to a report from Daily Mail, Manchester City have held initial talks for Jude Bellingham. The Premier League champions are fairly confident that they will be able to prise the 19-year-old, a target for Liverpool, away from Borussia Dortmund.
The England international is rated as one of the biggest talents in European football, and he has been linked with a number of clubs in recent months. Liverpool and Real Madrid are keen on signing Bellingham as well, but Manchester City remain fairly optimistic of luring the player to the Etihad.
The Premier League champions recently signed Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund, and they will hope to use their existing relationship with German club to secure a deal for Bellingham as well. The 19-year-old England international has the potential to develop into one of the best midfielders of his generation, and Manchester City could certainly use someone like him.
German international midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is nearing the end of his contract at the Premier League club, and Manchester City will need to find a quality long-term replacement. Bellingham will be the ideal signing for them, and the player can sort out their midfield for the foreseeable future.
Bellingham is already a key player for Borussia Dortmund and has proven his worth with England at the international level as well. The player is rumoured to have a price tag of around €150 million and Borussia Dortmund will hope that he can perform at a high level during the World Cup, which can only boost the asking price.
Manchester City have no shortage of resources and are one of the richest clubs in the world. There is no reason why they cannot shatter their transfer record for the midfielder. And after holding initial talks for the player, they will hope to beat Liverpool to his signature.
A move to the Premier League could be a tempting proposition for Bellingham as well and Manchester City could provide him with a platform to fulfil his world-class potential and win trophies on a regular basis. But the presence of Liverpool will complicate matters for the Citizens.
