Jude Bellingham discusses development at Birmingham in 2019
Chelsea are set to rival Manchester United for the services of Jude Bellingham after holding talks with the teenage midfielder. United had looked favourites to sign the Birmingham City starlet but Chelsea have now registered their interest in singing the midfielder, according to reports.
Bellingham had been expected to sign for United this summer after it was revealed that Red Devils chiefs gave the 16-year-old a tour of the club’s Carrington training ground on Monday.
However, the Manchester Evening News report that Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund have both held talks with the Birmingham prodigy.
Birmingham could hold out for as much as £50m for Bellingham, who has established himself as a mainstay in the Championship side this season.
The youngster has scored four goals and provided three assists in 32 league appearances for the St Andrews club, while he has also made three domestic cup outings.
Chelsea transfer news: The Blues have reportedly opened talks with Jude Bellingham (Image: GETTY)
And Chelsea supposedly see Bellingham as an exciting prospect who would fit into the senior squad well as manager Frank Lampard oversees a transition towards a more youthful approach.
Billy Gilmour is the latest youngster to establish himself in the first team at Stamford Bridge, with the 18-year-old having registered back-to-back Man of the Match displays against Liverpool and Everton.
And the development of academy graduates such as Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham, Reece James, Fikayo Tomori and Callum Hudson-Odoi will work in Chelsea’s favour as they look to entice Bellingham to London.
United were interested in Bellingham during the January transfer window as they looked to bolster a threadbare midfield that was severely impacted by injuries to Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay.
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And the United are set to delve into the Championship for reinforcements again, unless Chelsea swoop in to hijack the deal for Bellingham.
Chelsea are expected to strengthen in the summer window, having secured just one deal in January after they transfer ban was lifted.
Hakim Ziyech will join the Blues at the end of the campaign after a £33million deal was agreed with Ajax.
And Lampard is expected to bolster his defensive options with Ben Chilwell and Alex Telles both linked.
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Chelsea could also target an attacker with Michy Batshuayi expected to be sold while Pedro, Willian and Olivier Giroud are all out of contract.
Willian wants a new three-year deal but the Blues are only willing to offer a two-year extension, meaning the Brazilian is likely to depart at the end of the campaign.
Meanwhile, Giroud has stated his desire to stay at Stamford Bridge after regaining his first-team spot in recent weeks.
The Frenchman almost left the club in January after agreeing personal terms with Inter Milan but is now set to stay put after proving his worth in the absence of the injured Tammy Abraham.