According to Sky Sports News, Manchester United are ready to firm up their reported interest in Birmingham youngster Jude Bellingham with a bid in excess of £30m.
Despite only turning 16 a month before the season began, Bellingham has been a mainstay in the first team setup at St. Andrew's this term, starting 18 of 25 league appearances.
In that time the teenager has played in a variety of midfield roles, predominantly from the middle of the pitch but also on both flanks on occasion, even starting one game up front.
That versatility and ability to adapt at such a young age has caught the eye of the top clubs across the continent as well as the Premier League, with Manchester United keen to steal a march on their rivals this month.
Only two players to have played more than 1500 minutes in the Championship this season have averaged more tackles per 90 than Jude Bellingham (3.2)
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) January 22, 2020
💪 Statistical strengths:
Finishing
Defensive contribution
Through balls
Ball interception
Tacklinghttps://t.co/0rxy1QCl4o pic.twitter.com/VoKUurr7xc
Bellingham's box-to-box style has caught the eye and is certainly an understandable draw for a United side lacking dynamism in the middle of the park in the absence of both Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay at present.
The Blues academy graduate has scored four leaguen goals this season but also ranks third in the Championship of those to play at least 1500 minutes in tackles per 90 (3.2), highlighting his contribution in both attacking and defensive phases of play.
