TalkSport pundit Alan Brazil has hit out at reports that Manchester United and Chelsea are preparing to fight in the market for a £50million deal to sign Birmingham City midfielder Jude Bellingham.
The 16-year-old has caught the eye of the Premier League's elite following his breakthrough at Birmingham, where he has not only become a established member of the first-team but has stood out as a star.
Speculation about the teenager's future has been rife for months, with The Sun claiming United and Chelsea are prepared to pay £35m for his services, alongside a further £15m in add ons.
That has led to criticism from former United striker Brazil, who believes the reported price is evidence that the transfer fees in modern football have gone mad.
MEN Sport understands United are interested in the teenager, who only made his Birmingham debut in August and, at the age of 16 years and 38 days, beat the record of 16 years 139 days that Trevor Francis held for 39 years.
“I’m sorry I think football has gone mental, this young kid is a good player but £50million for a 16-year-old is nonsense, I’m sorry it’s absolute bonkers," Brazil told TalkSport.
“He will read that today and go ‘Wow’, do you know what I mean? I don’t care who you are that’s got to affect you.
“He is playing for the first team, he is loving it, he is enjoying it – then you read that, Man United or Chelsea, let’s say he’s going to get ‘just’ £10 grand a week never mind £100 grand, what a difference. I am like ‘Come on calm down’.”
