Sky Sports is reporting that Birmingham City’s wonder kid Jude Bellingham was seen touring Manchester United’s Carrington training ground with his parents on Monday, as United try to lure him away from a move to Borussia Dortmund and other potential European teams.
Financially strapped Birmingham City gave Bellingham permission to meet with interested clubs and United pulled out all the heavy hitters in an attempt to impress the promising 16-year-old.
Members of United’s tour group on Monday included Sir Alex Ferguson, executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, and head of corporate development Matt Judge.
Bellingham cannot officially sign a professional deal until he turns 17 in June and is currently reported to earn £145 a week on his scholarship contract with Birmingham. It is rumored that Birmingham City is asking for a transfer fee upwards of £50m for Bellingham’s rights.
Interest in Bellingham is strong, with Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid all vying for the English Under-17 international.
United are banking on their history of developing young players into first-team starters in an attempt to sign Bellingham in the summer transfer window.