Everything that's been said on Jude Bellingham transfer race amid Manchester United interest

Manchester United are one of the teams competing to sign Jude Bellingham in the summer.

Though a striker is United's priority, with Harry Kane identified as the prime target, Erik ten Hag would still like to bolster his midfield options with another quality operator. There aren't many better than Borussia Dortmund star Bellingham, a player the manager would sign over any other given the chance.

Doing so will not be easy though. The race is going to be so tough that Liverpool have already admitted defeat and ended their interest. Neighbours Manchester City look a likely destination given their financial might, domestic dominance and the allure of working with Pep Guardiola and reuniting with Erling Haaland. The prestigious Real Madrid, rarely a club that anyone turns down, are also said to be chasing the midfield prodigy.

Also read: Bellingham is ready for the role Ten Hag wants him to take on at United

It's bound to be the saga of the summer and here is what has been said on his future so far:

The latest update came from Dortmund sporting director Sebastien Kehl in March when he insisted Bellingham is still happy in Germany.

"This is the big thing at the moment, of course. He still has a contract and he is very focused on football," he told BT Sport. "He’s very focused on Borussia Dortmund and this team - we’re happy to have him." Following Kehl's comments, former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves explained why so many clubs in the Premier League are looking at Bellingham.

"Everybody loves Jude," Hargreaves declared. "Honestly, he’s just such a diamond who walks into any team in the world - that includes even Barcelona and Real Madrid - so this is a huge stage, huge occasion for him.

"He gets better the bigger the