Manchester United 'in pole position to sign Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham'

Manchester United are in pole position to secure the signature of Borussia Dortmund starlet Jude Bellingham in the summer of 2022, according to a report.

The 18-year-old continues to impress for club and country since making the move to Germany from Birmingham City last year and has started the 2021-22 season with two goals and three assists from six matches in the Bundesliga and Champions League.

Bellingham was close to signing for Man United before ultimately deciding to ply his trade in the Bundesliga, but the Red Devils' previous contact with the teenager could supposedly benefit them in the battle for his services next year.

A source close to Bellingham told The Sun: "United may have lost out last year when he moved to Germany, but the groundwork they put in has made a lasting impression on Jude and his family.

"They were really impressed with the effort United made and the respect they were shown by everyone at the club. Meeting Sir Alex Ferguson was the icing on the cake.

"Ultimately as Jude has made clear since, he decided to move to the club where he could see he would play games straight away and gain top level experience week in, week out.

"United couldn't offer that, but his memories from that day and the interactions he had with the club are extremely fond ones. United did everything right so maybe in the future that will work in their favour."

Bellingham - who has also been linked with Chelsea and Liverpool - is under contract at the Westfalenstadion until 2025.