Manchester United are intent on improving their midfield with that department remaining their weakest area. Donny van de Beek, who joined in 2020 and has started just four Premier League games since then, is the last midfielder to be signed.
Erik ten Hag’s arrival has sparked some optimism among supporters, with the 53-year-old’s exciting Ajax side showcasing his exhilarating style of football.
Ten Hag is intent on improving United’s midfield, with Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong believed to be his top target. Earlier on Friday, it was reported that De Jong had privately indicated that a move to Old Trafford is appealing.
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham is another midfield said to be on United’s radar and the Old Trafford club hold a longstanding interest in the England international.
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Bellingham was close to joining United in 2020 when he left Birmingham but ended up joining Dortmund instead, just six months after the German club had also stolen Erling Haaland from under United’s noses.
Now, it’s being reported that the 18-year-old remains top of United’s wishlist. That’s according to The Athletic, who add that United’s footballing director, John Murtough, was involved in talks over his proposed 2020 move.
A transfer is unlikely this summer, however, with the report clarifying that any move for Bellingham would be next year.
Bellingham has three years remaining on his contract at Borussia Dortmund and is valued at a whopping €80m by the statistical website Transfermarkt. In reality, Dortmund are likely to demand more than that should any club decide to pursue a transfer this year.
The expectation is that Bellingham will remain at Dortmund for at least another season but he won’t have any issues finding suitors when his time to leave the Bundesliga comes.
