Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag 'urgently wants' to sign Jude Bellingham after Liverpool pull out

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag 'urgently wants' to sign Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham this summer, according to a German football reporter.

The report comes just days after it was claimed by The Times' Paul Joyce that Liverpool would not be pursuing a move for the 19-year-old midfielder.

The Reds are now looking at alternative targets, as per the same source, with a deal for Bellingham deemed to be too expensive in the context of Liverpool's overall summer transfer budget.

That appears to have opened the race up to other clubs, with Real Madrid and Manchester City holding a long-term interest in signing the England international.

But recent reports have also linked United with a move - and now German football reporter Patrik Berger has revealed Ten Hag's stance.

Ten Hag 'urgently' wants Bellingham for Man Utd

Taking to Twitter, Berger has reported that the Dutchman is desperate to bring Bellingham to Old Trafford once the summer transfer window opens.

He wrote: "Real and City in the Jude Bellingham race. Understand Man United have outsider chances.

"ETH urgently wants the England star. Three years ago the midfielder visited Carrington and met Sir Alex.

"But: Bellingham to stay at Dortmund also not ruled out. BVB still have hopes."

On Wednesday, the Manchester Evening News claimed that Ten Hag told confidants that if he could sign any player in the world, it would be Bellingham.

Furthermore, Ten Hag is said to be willing to 'endorse a second pitch' to the 19-year-old, with the midfielder having visited Carrington in 2019 while still at Birmingham.

However, the Dutchman's priority is still to sign a striker, meaning any deal for the Dortmund star may well have to wait, with it also claimed by the same source that outgoings would be needed.

United have several players who appear likely to move on this summer, with Eric Bailly's loan to Marseille containing an obligation-to-buy clause if several conditions are met.

In fact, the Daily Mail claim the club will allow up to 13 players to leave, with Brandon Williams, Alex Telles and Donny van de Beek among those that could depart.

Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Premier League, Transfers, Jude Bellingham, Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.