MANCHESTER UNITED will lose out to Borussia Dortmund on landing Jude Bellingham because of a lack of assurances over playing time, according to reports.
The Birmingham wonderkid can officially sign his first professional contract with the German giants today as he celebrates his 17th birthday.
Bellingham has been locked in a transfer tug-of-war between the two sides as he decides on his next move.
And it appears Dortmund have convinced him to take the leap of faith in the Bundesliga after the two clubs reportedly agreed a fee believed to be in the region of £25million with significant future incentives.
The Brummie-born superstar believes he will handed more first-team opportunities in Germany as he looks to progress his career, write the Mirror.
Jadon Sancho’s impact has played a key part in his decision with the winger leaving Man City for Dortmund as a 17-year-old in 2017.
The England ace is now one of the most sought-after players in world football after starring on the big stage.
Bellingham is heading in the same direction with the ace tipped to martial England’s midfield for years to come.
He has already made 34 appearances in the Championship this season.
Earlier this month Birmingham boss Pep Clotet joked that Bellingham has either been taking German classes or perfecting his Manchester accent during the lockdown period.
He said: “Maybe in his free time he has been having some German classes or Manchester accent classes – I don’t know.
“But I think he looks very confident and comfortable in his situation.
“I can’t give any insight into his transfer situation because it is something related to next season so I never even asked.”
