MANCHESTER UNITED have been beaten to the signing of Jude Bellingham by Borussia Dortmund, according to reports.
The Red Devils were heavily linked with Birmingham’s 17-year-old sensation but the Bundesliga side will reportedly pay £22million for the youngster and tie him down to a £2.7m-a-year contract.
United had targeted the versatile midfielder, while Chelsea were also interested.
But the Bundesliga side have beaten them to it, according to German outlet Bild.
Bellingham is free to sign a pro contract having turned 17 on June 30.
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Previous reports suggested he was expected to agree a five-year deal with the German side.
Despite being shown around United’s training ground by Sir Alex Ferguson in March, Bellingham’s family believe Dortmund will be a better place for him to flourish.
United also saw Dortmund pip them to Norwegian strike sensation Erling Haaland at the start of the year.
The Bundesliga club appear to have landed England prospect Bellingham on the cheap, having seen their £30m January offer rejected by Birmingham.
Two months later, Dortmund, United and Chelsea were all prepared to pay £35m with a further £15m in add-ons — but the coronavirus crisis has had a major impact on transfers fees.
Playmaker Bellingham became Birmingham’s youngest player at 16 years and 38 days in the Carabao Cup last August.
He has scored four goals and bagged three assists from 41 games in all competitions for the Blues this season.
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