Erik ten Hag 'wants Jude Bellingham at Manchester United' after Liverpool admit defeat

Erik ten Hag would endorse a second Manchester United approach to sign Jude Bellingham, a reputable journalist has claimed.

According to a range of reports Liverpool are ending their pursuit of Bellingham as the England international would command too high a transfer fee.

While the 19-year-old was widely thought to have been Liverpool's priority target this summer, he will likely cost well over £100million.

The Reds require several recruits this summer, having endured a poor season. In turn, the size of the Bellingham deal means the Anfield club do not consider the transfer a viable option.

Of course, the player is still not short of suitors, with some of the biggest clubs on the continent pursuing his signature. Real Madrid are thought to be keen, while Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea are also pursuing the player.

Moreover, some reports have suggested Manchester City are now frontrunners to sign the 19-year-old, given Real are reluctant to spend heavily on transfers due to their stadium renovation expenses.

Meanwhile, according to the Manchester Evening News's Sam Luckhurst, United could reignite their interest in the player.

Man Utd in for Bellingham?

MEN's Luckhurst has claimed United manager Ten Hag would endorse a second United pitch for Bellingham.

While United's priority is reportedly a striker, Bellingham is a talent the Dutchman believes "can create history" at the club as they strive to end their Premier League trophy drought.

Bellingham turned down the Old Trafford club back in 2020 as a 16-year-old. Then, United allegedly "rolled out the red carpet" for Bellingham, with the likes of Ed Woodward and Matt Judge there to meet him upon his arrival at Carrington.

However given United could not guarantee the youngster play time in the first team, he moved to Dortmund.

Yet, Luckhurst has now claimed Ten Hag is a huge fan of the player, and could influence the club to have a second bite at the cherry.

The journalist wrote: "United had quietly initiated a succession plan for Paul Pogba and Bellingham was identified as a long-term heir. A United figure who met Bellingham noted his performances for England at the World Cup: 'That's what we wanted Pogba to do.' Pogba seldom did.

"Erik ten Hag's admiration for Bellingham during the World Cup was so great he told confidants if he could sign any player in the world it would be the England midfielder.

"Bellingham is not 20 until late June and Ten Hag sees immense potential in the Dudley destroyer. The United manager has watched Borussia Dortmund matches this season and noticed Bellingham has not always operated at his optimum in contrast to his barnstorming performances for England in Qatar.

"Ten Hag would endorse a second United pitch to Bellingham, a talent he feels can create history at the club as they strive to end a championship drought that is certain to tick past a decade."