Rio Ferdinand admits signing Jude Bellingham would be a "calculated gamble" but would do so were he calling the shots at Manchester United.
The Birmingham teenager has burst on to the scene and attracted interest from a host of clubs around Europe.
The Championship outfit have valued the 16-year-old at £30m which Ferdinand admits is "phenomenal".
But Bellingham fits the profile of player Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to add at Old Trafford with the former United star highlighting his versatility as a massive plus.
“Huge talent, really good looking footballer in the way he plays," claimed Ferdinand. "The balance, the maturity at such a young age.
“The price tag is phenomenal- £30m for a kid. But it’s the way of the world now. But if we keep him for ten years it’s money well spent.
“But to be playing in the Championship doing what he’s doing- it’s a gamble but a calculated one. If I’m Manchester United 100% I take him.
“He seems to have it all, can play anywhere across the front. I love seeing these young kids, it’s what I live for.”
Bellingham has made 25 appearances for Birmingham this term, scoring on four occasions.
Solskjaer is keen to have more young, homegrown players feature in his United squad going forward.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Dan James arrived last summer while the likes of Brandon Williams and Mason Greenwood have enjoyed breakthrough campaigns under the Norwegian.
Chelsea are also interested in Bellingham as are German outfit Borussia Dortmund with their initial contract offer thought to dwarf United's.
The Bundesliga side have also proved to be a great breeding ground for young talent with Englishman Jadon Sancho emerging into a world star since joining three years ago.
