Manchester United hopes of signing Jude Bellingham rely on four things

It seems certain that Jude Bellingham will be the name that dominates the next summer transfer window. He is already one of the most talented young players in world football and his stock will only rise if he features as prominently, as he deserves to, at the upcoming World Cup.

A stellar showing at a major international tournament often works to raise the profile and valuation of a player, though on the back of a winter World Cup, it seems unlikely we'll see any moves in the January window. It means fewer impulse buys off the back of national team notoriety this season, given that any rising star will still need to keep up their level of performance until the end of the campaign, rather than move on the back of the tournament.

But even if he fails to light up the World Cup, Bellingham has already done enough to headline many transfer wish-lists next summer. It already seems certain he'll be on Manchester United's.

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Erik ten Hag prioritised the addition of a progressive central midfielder this summer but was unable to get the one he wanted, with Frenkie de Jong making it abundantly clear he had no desire to leave Barcelona.

In a sliding doors moment, Christian Eriksen has shone in the role, having been repurposed as a No.8 after failed experiments as both a false nine and a holding midfielder in the first two matches of the season.

Eriksen, 30, has been incredible since his position switch against Liverpool in the third competitive match of the campaign. But despite his excellent level of performance, there is still a need, and a desire, to sign a longer-term option in that role.

Bellingham quite clearly ticks all of the boxes