Jude Bellingham to Manchester United transfer latest: What we know so far

Will Bellingham be United's next teenage sensation?
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Manchester United have endured a frustrating January transfer window so far, but salvation may come in the form of Jude Bellingham.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made it a priority to recruit the best young, British talent to form the core of his squad going forward, and 16-year-old Birmingham City midfielder Bellingham certainly fits the bill.

Here's what we know so far...

Who is Jude Bellingham?

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Born on 29 June, 2003, the midfield prospect is just 16 years old but has already broken records following his first-team breakthrough at Birmingham City.

Bellingham joined the club's academy at Under-8 level, quickly rising through the ranks. On August 6 last year, the midfielder became Birmingham's youngest ever first-team player, featuring against Portsmouth in the Carabao Cup at the age of 16 years and 38 days old.

Unsurprisingly, he also became the club's youngest ever goalscorer (16 years and 63 days old) with a strike against Stoke on August 31.

Do Manchester United want him?

Standard Sport understands Solskjaer has identified Bellingham as a star of the future, and is determined to sign him this month before rival clubs can put together a bid.

How much will he cost?

United hope a deal of around £25million plus add-ons will be enough to secure a deal.

Would Bellingham join United straight away?

It is believed the Red Devils would be open to loaning him back to Birmingham if an agreement can be reached this month.

However, with Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay both out injured and midfield options already stretched, Solskjaer could push for Bellingham to join up straight away.

Who else wants him?

Solskjaer is aware that interest in Bellingham will likely grow, and the fact that United are interested will put a host of other clubs on alert - but Solskjaer has told the club to steal a march on a host of suitors across Europe.

What sort of player is he?

According to WhoScored, Bellingham has made the majority of his appearances this season in central midfield.

He has composure and an impressive work rate, and has also been used on both flanks as well as in an advanced position on occasion - and with his eye for a goal at such a young age, there is no reason why his future does not lie further up the pitch.

While he is more likely to be an option for the future for United, his intensity fits the profile of the sort of midfielder Solskjaer wants to add to a quick front line - the interest in Newcastle's Sean Longstaff a case in point.

Vital statistics

The 16-year-old has made 26 appearances for Birmingham this season.

Bellingham has scored four goals in 25 Championship appearances, clocking 1503 minutes and notching one assist.

A pass completion rate of 76.2 per cent is respectable given Bellingham is just 16, but something that can be worked on.

International career

Bellingham has represented England up to Under-17s level, making three appearances for the Young Lions and scoring twice.

He scored on his U17s debut in the Syrenka Cup against Finland, and then captained the side in their next game, scoring in a 4-2 win against Austria.

He then captained England again in the final against Poland - which the Young Lions won on penalties - and won player of the tournament.

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