Chelsea to lock horns with Manchester United for Bellingham, Sancho — report

Jude Bellingham, all of 16 years of age, has acquired quite an impressive reputation in England already after far exceeding expectations for Birmingham City this season, and has a whole host of suitors eager for his future services.

Manchester United have been made the favourites recently, with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich reportedly showing interest, too, but the Daily Mail has Chelsea back in the race with purpose. The Blues have apparently held meetings with Bellingham’s representatives last week, although we’ve been tracking him for some time now to be sure.

Bellingham has played all across midfield, which isn’t too surprising as a very young player still finding his ideal position. He has notched 4 goals and 2 assists in all competitions thus far, but it’s his overall game and potential rather than statistical output that is generating all the attention.

Bellingham will turn 17 in June and he will then be eligible to sign his first professional contract. We can expect the battle for his signature to get more intense as we get closer.

In the same report, the Mail also throw in a mention of Jadon Sancho, from whom Chelsea and United are expected to go head-to-head as well. Sancho certainly needs no introduction, and while United are said to be favourites in this race as well, Chelsea are far from out of it, especially at this early stage. While United may be offering more in wages, the report suggests that Chelsea, the club Sancho supported growing up, could be successful in luring the young superstar to Cobham next season.

It’s all speculation of course, but at least we’re getting linked to top prospects rather than the likes of Andy Carroll or Ashley Barnes.