Manchester United 'make £25m offer for Birmingham starlet Jude Bellingham'

Manchester United have reportedly moved a step closer to snapping up Birmingham starlet Jude Bellingham after offering £25million for the 16-year-old.

The youngster has made 24 appearances in all competitions for the Championship outfit so far this season, and is believed to have caught the eye of the Old Trafford hierarchy.

Bellingham's eye-catching performances for Birmingham have attracted attention from several clubs across Europe, according to the Daily Record.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is desperate to broaden his options in midfield after losing both Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay to injury, and has placed emphasis on focusing on youthful homegrown talent.

The club's recruitment since their former player was handed the reins permanently has lined up with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward's vision of a 'cultural reboot' at the fallen giants.

And the signing of Bellingham would also fit into this, with the teenager's ability to be fielded either centrally or out wide triggering countless scouts to watch him in action throughout this campaign.


Assistant Mike Phelan is even believed to have personally scouted Bellingham earlier this season, with United later submitting a substantial offer this week.

The prodigy made his debut for his boyhood club aged just 16 years and 38 days old, and became Birmingham's youngest ever scorer when he netted a deflected strike against Stoke a few weeks later.

United are also reportedly keeping close tabs on Leicester's James Maddison and Aston Villa star Jack Grealish, although the club were informed that neither playmaker would be available this month.

The club remain locked in negotiations with Sporting Lisbon over Bruno Fernandes, with the Portuguese midfielder thought to have already having agreed personal terms.