Man City: 'Haaland has now told' £83m star to join him at the Etihad

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has ‘directly told’ Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham that he should make the move to the Etihad Stadium, according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.

Pep Guardiola has set his sights on sealing back-to-back Premier League titles, having been crowned champions last season, and it appears he is keen to bolster his midfield.

According to The Sun, Manchester City are convinced they will win the race to lure Bellingham back to his homeland from Dortmund next year.

The report suggests a deal could be struck for the 17-cap England international if a fee of £83million is paid upfront during the 2023 summer transfer window.

But Manchester City are not Bellingham’s only suitors as it is understood that Chelsea are now in the hunt for his signature, with the Blues’ hierarchy attempting to make inroads in the central midfielder’s camp.

Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester United also hoped to strike a deal before the deadline on September 1, but Dortmund were unwilling to sanction his departure at that stage.

If Manchester City and Bellingham’s other suitors are not in a position to fork out an upfront fee of £83million, it seems they would reportedly have to pay £132million in instalments.

Jacobs understands that Manchester City are eager to sign Bellingham and Haaland is playing a key role in attempting to lure the 19-year-old to the Etihad Stadium.

The journalist believes the frontman’s influence could be vital as Guardiola aims to get a deal over the line.

Jacobs told GIVEMESPORT: “You’ve got Manchester City, who haven’t yet moved but are very keen on the player and Erling Haaland has directly told Jude Bellingham that it would be a good move for him.

“How much weight we put behind that