Manchester United are set to miss out on Birmingham City wonderkid Jude Bellingham, with the midfielder instead opting to join Borussia Dortmund. The Red Devils are ready for a busy summer transfer window. United were hoping to land Bellingham, as well as Ed Woodward eyeing Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho and Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish.
However, ESPN say United will miss out on Bellingham, 16, who has chosen Dortmund over the Red Devils.
They say the Bundesliga giants will announce the deal in the coming days after agreeing a £20m fee with Birmingham City.
ESPN add that United target Bellingham had his heart set on a move to the Bundesliga to follow in Sancho’s footsteps.
Sancho, 20, has dominated in Germany, netting 20 goals and chipping in with 18 assists in all competitions.
Ex-Manchester City academy star Sancho could be United’s first summer signing, however, Dortmund could demand over £100m for the winger.
The Red Devils were hopeful of landing Bellingham after giving the midfielder a tour of their Carrington training complex.
Woodward, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Sir Alex Ferguson greeted the highly-rated youngster.
However, Bellingham opted for Dortmund, where he felt he’d get regular game time.
United boss Solskjaer has been vocal on the club’s transfer plans, insisting he will not by ‘rotten apples’.
The Red Devils manager wants his players to reflect his personality.
“I did feel that I was professional and did feel privileged to play for Manchester United,” Solskjaer said.
“I wouldn’t be able to look at myself if I didn’t know I’d given everything for my team-mates and my manager.
“That’s what I also now look for in players that we sign or we bring up from the youth team. You have to have a good personality and that you are professional because one rotten apple in the basket will make the others rotten.
“So for me it’s about building a team that will reflect me and my coaching staff’s personalities and views. Of course there are standards because we want to win. We are in the business to win.
“But the first step to be a Manchester United player and person, you have to be humble enough to know you always have to work hard.
“Never give in and always do your best, 100 per cent effort is required every day and don’t think you are better than you are.
“You still have to play with that confidence at the same time. It’s a fine balance but that is what is going to make the difference when we want to get to the championship again that we want to win.”
United return to Premier League action this weekend against Sheffield United.