Manchester United believe they have an edge in the transfer battle for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham thanks to football chief John Murtough.
There is strong interest in Bellingham from the Premier League, with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp known to be an avid admirer of the talented teenager. But United may hold the edge over their arch-rivals in the race for Bellingham.
The Athletic says Murtough has struck up a friendship with Mark in recent years and the pair are still close to this day. United have a long-standing interest in Bellingham and have watched the youngster at various age levels since he was 12-years-old.
The Red Devils were the side who came closest to landing Bellingham before his switch to Dortmund was agreed in 2020, but they also tried to prise the former Birmingham City academy graduate away from St Andrews when he was just 15. Ultimately, though, the family had a loyalty to Blues and a financial package could not be agreed.
Although Bellingham has tried to distance himself from transfer speculation in recent weeks, it is widely anticipated that the midfielder will indeed be on the move next summer, with Liverpool and United expected to be in the frame for his signature.
