Manchester City hold initial conversations over Jude Bellingham with sources pointing towards deal

Manchester City have now held initial conversations over Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, it has been revealed.

Pep Guardiola and officials at the Etihad Stadium are known to be keen admirers of the player - who is regarded by many across Europe to be one of the brightest talents at the very top level of the game.

Speaking on Jude Bellingham during a recent press conference, Guardiola said, "(Borussia) Dortmund is a perfect place for young, talented players.

"Maybe if (Jude) Bellingham went to a top Premier League team (from Birmingham City), he wouldn't get the minutes.

"The best way for a young player to get better is play minutes. At 17 years-old, he arrived."

The Manchester City boss continued, "It's not just the quality, he had special mentality.

"Already one of the captains, at 19 is quite impressive. It's not just about the goals, the whole package is really good.

"He's already playing for England at 19. We know the quality he has."

That public admiration for Jude Bellingham is now seemingly turning into a professional drive to sign the player, if the latest revelations to have emerged on Tuesday night are to be believed.

According to the information of the Mail's Mike Keegan, Manchester City have now held initial conversations over Jude Bellingham.

The report refers to those with knowledge of the teenager's situation, who believe that the England international will end up at the Etihad Stadium.

As suspected by many, it is also highlighted that relations between Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund are 'very strong' following the deal to secure Erling Haaland and Manuel Akanji in the summer.

However, there may be one stumbling block with regards to any deal in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Jude Bellingham has been strongly linked with Liverpool (Image: Alamy)

Keegan highlights that a great World Cup for Jude Bellingham may price him out of the market during the 2023 summer window.

But, it is stressed that Jude Bellingham will not be seeing out his contract at Borussia Dortmund - which runs until the summer of 2025.

The former Birmingham City midfielder is widely expected to be named in Gareth Southgate's England squad to compete at the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Jude Bellingham and Borussia Dortmund partake in their final competitive fixture before the major tournament this Friday night, following a largely successful first-half of their domestic and European season.

Dortmund went head-to-head with Manchester City in the Champions League group stage, securing their place in the last-16 of the competition and subsequently drawing Chelsea in two ties set to be placed early in 2023.