Dortmund win Bellingham race

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano claims Borussia Dortmund have won the race to sign Jude Bellingham from Birmingham City.

The 17-year-old central midfielder is under contract with Birmingham until the summer of 2021. He has reportedly been offered a new deal but it seems he believes himself ready to take the next step in his career. Manchester United have been credited with strong interest in his services over the last few months, and he is believed to have visited the club’s facilities in order to see his potential new surroundings.

However, Dortmund stepped into the fray and it seems their record for developing young players into proper stars has played a vital part in Bellingham’s decision to move to the Signal Iduna Park, rather than Old Trafford. The player believes he would be a regular starter for Lucien Favre’s team.

Some reports have suggested such an outcome could provide platform for United to move for Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho, but the two clubs are still too far apart in their respective valuations of the England international.