Manchester United asked the ambitious question about Jude Bellingham’s availability, according to one Spanish source.
The World Cup has been a tournament for superstars, and it has seen Jude Bellingham step up for England.
Bellingham is the Real Madrid midfielder who Manchester United had an opportunity to sign in 2020, but failed to convince him to join the club. He chose Borussia Dortmund.
Sir Alex Ferguson was not happy with the way United handled that pitch to Bellingham, and he has made the club regret not closing the deal.
His performances at the World Cup have underlined his talent, and with all the talk about midfield signings, Bellingham is the real game changer Manchester United should be splashing out on.
A fresh update from Spain has claimed that United at least asked the question.
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Man Utd enquiry for Bellingham dismissed
Manchester United had held talks with Real Madrid to try and establish whether Aurelien Tchouameni could be available. He now looks set to renew his contract.
According to Spanish journalist Latigo Serrano, formerly of Marca and OK Diario, United used these discussions to check-in on Bellingham.
Serrano told his YouTube channel: “During conversations between Manchester United and Real Madrid, Bellingham’’’s name came up.
“Real Madrid’s response was: ‘Bellingham is not part of this deal, and Bellingham is not on the market. Jude Bellingham is untouchable, just like Kylian Mbappe is untouchable. We don’t want to discuss Bellingham because we’re not going to sell him.’
“What did Manchester United do? They asked: ‘Not even for £200 million?’
“In other words, during these informal discussions between the clubs, United floated what would have been a record-breaking offer – similar to the type of offer Florentino Perez once tried to make for Olise, an offer so big it might have made Bayern think twice.
“But in Bellingham’s case, Real Madrid wouldn’t even consider it.
“Madrid wouldn’t sell Bellingham for £200 million, £300 million, or even £400 million.
“The club believes the only way Bellingham could ever leave is if someone paid his €1 billion release clause.”
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Interesting conjecture, United right to ask
How much stock you want to place in Serrano’s claims is up to you, but it makes sense that Manchester United would at least enquire.
Bellingham is the one midfielder who United would be within their rights to spend a club record fee on.
He is an elite player, a leader, and one who surely has to come and play in the Premier League one day and build a legacy in England.
It makes sense that United would want to be at the front of the queue.
But at least for now, it seems like Real Madrid have no intention of letting him leave anytime. And after seeing his performances at the World Cup, who can blame them?
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