Reports in Germany suggest that Manchester United have lost out in the race for Birmingham City prodigy Jude Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hoping to add a centre-midfielder to his squad this summer and had earmarked the talented Bellingham as his top target in the position.
The teenager only turned 17 at the end of June but already has a near full season of experience under his belt at Birmingham, making 38 appearances this season with four goals and three assists to his name.
United aren't alone in their admiration however and, while Chelsea were also said to be interested, German newspaper BILD is reporting tonight that Bellingham has opted to leave Birmingham and join Dortmund this summer in a €23m deal. It's reported that he has signed a five-year deal at Signal Iduna Park.
If correct, the move will come as a blow to United, who had invited Bellingham for a tour of Carrington in March as they moved to convince him to move to Old Trafford.
However, Dortmund's appeal with their proven track record of developing talented youngsters into megastars, the most notable example being Jadon Sancho, had appeared to make Dortmund the favourites in the chase.
It's understood that Bellingham was viewed as a prospect for the future for United and may have found his first team opportunities limited with Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Nemanja Matic, Scott McTominay and Fred all ahead of him in the pecking order.
Regular first team football, which he has at Birmingham, was said to be a vital factor in Bellingham's decision on his next move and he will likely get more opportunities at Dortmund.
