Borussia Dortmund have agreed to sign Birmingham City star Jude Bellingham for Manchester United, according to ESPN Germany.
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The 16-year-old has burst onto the scene for Birmingham this season, and has already made 36 senior appearances, despite the fact he is not eligible for professional terms until his 17th birthday on June 29.
Bellingham has been targeted by Dortmund and United / Malcolm Cousins / Getty Images
United and Dortmund emerged as the two main contenders for his signature, although reports in recent days have also put Chelsea in the mix.
Sources have reported to 90 Minutes in recent months that United are confident of securing his signature. The club showed the player and his family around their Carrington training complex to secure the signing, although Dortmund are doing their own work on the transfer in the meantime.
ESPN in Germany now reports that a decision has been made with Dortmund’s beneficiaries. His track record in developing young players – the likes of Jadon Sancho, who could leave the club for United this summer, and Erling Holland among them – could have played a role in Bellingham’s selection.
It would be Dortmund’s second major cup win over United in as many months, as both clubs were in the running before the Dutchman opted to move to Germany.
The report suggests Dortmund will announce the signing in the coming days for a fee in the region of £20 million.
United had hoped to make the player part of their first-team squad next season as they look to replace the likes of midfielder Nemanja Matic in the long-term, with the player also interested in bringing the player’s younger brother Jubi to the academy. has been done