Manchester City prepared to appease Borussia Dortmund by offering factor in Jude Bellingham deal

Manchester City could be prepared to offer a favourable factor to Borussia Dortmund in a potential approach for Jude Bellingham, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Premier League champions are assessing the situations of two of their current central midfielders, with a recruitment drive in the position next year looking likely.

Bernardo Silva is one player that is set to be in search of an exit from Pep Guardiola's side, with the Portugal international having been interested in a switch to FC Barcelona last summer.

Ultimately, the La Liga club could not meet the financial requirements outlined by Manchester City chiefs, and as such the player remained at the Etihad Stadium for the ongoing season.

Elsewhere, Ilkay Gundogan is yet to make a decision on whether to extend his City contract beyond the end of the ongoing season, despite 'loose' talk of a two or three-year extension in the coming days.

On the subject of new midfield faces potentially arriving in the north-west of England, a new update has shone some light on Manchester City's approach to the situation concerning one of Europe's most in-demand talents in the position.

According to the information of transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City want to sign a new midfielder for Pep Guardiola's squad, regardless of what decision club captain Ilkay Gundogan makes over his future.

The German international is approaching the expiry of his current Etihad contract, and while there is no hurry in terms of coming to a decision, City will likely want to know as soon as possible in order to iron out their own plans.

On the subject of an incoming midfielder at the Etihad Stadium, Fabrizio Romano reports that Manchester City could be one of the clubs in the running for Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham.

Perhaps more importantly, it is now revealed that Etihad officials would be prepared to wait until 2024 before signing the England international.

While this could be the preferred outcome for the Bundesliga club, it is highlighted that this would also depend on the player's decision next summer.

#ManCity have held initial conversations regarding Jude Bellingham, and those with knowledge of the situation believe the midfielder will move to the Etihad Stadium. Relations between both clubs are very strong post-Erling Haaland.

[via @MikeKeegan_DM]

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) November 8, 2022

While Manchester City are regarded by some to be the favourites to sign the teenage sensation, they will not pursue the player without firm competition from elsewhere in Europe.

It is widely understood that Real Madrid will also show a strong interest in the player.

For now though, Jude Bellingham will be firmly focussed on putting in strong performances for England at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Some believe that the former Birmingham City midfielder could form a defensive midfield partnership alongside Declan Rice of West Ham.

However, such is the player's high abilities that he could play a role anywhere across Gareth Southgate's midfield - a versatility that is sure to entice Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola.