Manchester United in transfer 'battle' for EFL ace amid new interest from European title winners

Manchester United have the chance to bolster their ranks before the end of the January transfer window. They also have the opportunity to let some players head out the exit door if they want to.

Ruben Amorim was picked as their replacement for Erik ten Hag earlier this winter. He caught their eye in Portugal with Sporting Lisbon.

It has been a mixed start for him at Old Trafford in terms of results. He will be hoping for more consistency over the coming weeks and months.

Update regarding Manchester United-linked Jobe Bellingham

United are ‘interested’ in a move for Sunderland star Jobe Bellingham, as reported earlier this month by TEAMtalk. He has impressed in the Championship so far this season with the Black Cats.

In this latest update regarding his future at the Stadium of Light, Bayer Leverkusen are ‘ready’ to ‘battle’ Borussia Dortmund for his signature, according to journalist Alan Nixon on his Patreon page. The youngster appears to be a wanted man over in Germany.

Bellingham, who is 19-years-old, is being tipped for a bright future in the game. He could be seen by the Red Devils as someone to boost their midfield ranks down the line.

He rose up through the academy ranks at Birmingham City and was a regular for the Blues at various different youth levels. The England youth international went on to play 26 matches for the Midlands club before heading out the exit door when Sunderland swooped in.

The Birmingham-born man has since become a key player for the Black Cats and they won’t want to lose him anytime soon. He has made 73 appearances in all competitions and has scored 11 goals as they eye promotion from the Football League under Regis Le Bris.

What now for Manchester United target Jobe Bellingham?

United will need to see off competition from Leverkusen and Dortmund if they were to snap up Bellingham anytime soon. It remains to be seen at this stage whether the Red Devils will firm up their reported interest with an official offer or whether it is just paper talk.

Bellingham was handed a new deal at Sunderland running until 2028 last year meaning they are under no pressure to sell him anytime soon, unless a bid that they couldn’t refuse came in. He said last August: “I’m buzzing to sign this contract and extend my stay at Sunderland. I feel like I have a lot of unfinished business and I believe we can achieve some great things this season.

“This is such an amazing city and I’m so proud to represent the people within it. Everyone has made me feel right at home and I couldn’t imagine playing for a Club where it didn’t mean as much as it does to our fans. I enjoy playing for Sunderland and I can’t wait to get back to the Stadium of Light this weekend.”

Meanwhile, their director of football Kristjaan Speakman added: “Jobe has fully immersed himself in Sunderland since day one and he has a clear affection for the area and the supporters. We always planned to extend his initial contract, but when a player performs so well in their breakthrough season, it is only natural for other opportunities to arise. Despite this, Jobe has been consistent that Sunderland is where he wants to be and his desire to remain at the Club is a big boost for us heading into our first home game.”