Man United chase midfielder but bad news for Chelsea as player isn’t interested

Speculation is building ahead of England boss Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad announcement on Thursday. 

A number of players are vying for a place on the plane to Qatar, and Southgate’s task has been made more complicated by injuries sustained by a number of players including Reece James, Kyle Walker and Ben Chilwell.

The likes of Callum Wilson, Kieran Trippier and James Maddison have all hit form at the prefect time, but it remains to be seen who will be included and who Southgate will leave in England.

One name that seems almost certain to be included in the announcement is Jude Bellingham.

The Borussia Dortmund midfielder has started the new season in fine form, continuing his meteoric rise both domestically and on the international stage.

Bellingham, 19, has been capped 17 times by England since making his senior debut in 2020, and is expected to play a huge part in The Three Lions’ upcoming campaign, particularly considering Kalvin Phillips’ recent injury problems.

The midfielder has also been linked with a move away from Dortmund recently, and Manchester United are the latest team to be linked with the player.

As reported by TEAMTalk, United are one of four clubs that are continuing to battle it out for Bellingham’s signature.

The report does also claim that Chelsea’s chances of signing the England international may well be over, as the player himself isn’t interested in a move to Stamford Bridge.

Bellingham is enjoying huge success at Dortmund

The player would reportedly prefer a move elsewhere if he were to leave Dortmund, despite Blues owner Todd Boehly speaking to the player’s father in an attempt to persuade him otherwise.

Liverpool are another side interested, as well as Champions League holders Real Madrid.

Dortmund received interest in Bellingham during the recent transfer window, but they were reluctant to let the midfielder leave during the same window as Erling Haaland, who departed to join Manchester City.

Bellingham has scored nine goals and provided two assists so far this season, taking his tallies to 19 goals and 20 assists in 120 matches for the Bundesliga side.

The ex-Birmingham City man has also captained Dortmund on more than one occasion this term.

The report claims that Bellingham could cost as much as £130 million, with Dortmund under little pressure to sell next summer as the player’s contract doesn’t expire until 2025.

As well as United, Real and Liverpool, Manchester City are also believed to be interested in the midfielder.