Wayne Rooney names the "hottest youngster" in world football - hopes he doesn't join Liverpool

Man United legend Wayne Rooney has lauded the talents of Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham - and hopes he joins the Red Devils over Liverpool.

Bellingham has starred in Germany since joining Dortmund from boyhood club Birmingham City in the summer of 2020.

Such was his impact at St. Andrew's in a single season of senior football, the Blues retired his shirt number - convinced that he would go on to become one of world football's top midfielders.

And, at just 19 years of age, he has already reached that landmark.

On Thursday, Bellingham was named in Gareth Southgate's final 26-man England squad for the World Cup, with many fans believing that the Dortmund star should start for the Three Lions in their opening group game against Iran.

Transfer rumours have constantly linked him with a move back to England in 2023 - with Liverpool and United amongst the clubs chasing his signature.

According to reports, Dortmund value the player at €150 million, although Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher told The Overlap he believes even such a large fee will be seen as a bargain for Bellingham should he succeed.

And Rooney is another who has been singing the praises of the midfielder.

Wayne Rooney on Jude Bellingham

The 37-year-old, who currently manages DC United in Major League Soccer, spoke to talkSPORT about Bellingham's future prospects, and how keen he is to see the midfielder to sign for United.

He replied (quotes via HITC): "I hope so. I hope he doesn't go to Liverpool or City.

"I am sure they are doing their work. He is probably the hottest youngster in world football at the minute, and I am sure United are looking at him as well."

The Red Devils were in the mix to secure Bellingham's signature in 2020, before his move to Germany, but he opted to sign for Dortmund instead.

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Now, they are back in the race. And whilst he is also reportedly being chased by Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester City, TEAMtalk have claimed that he does not want to move to Chelsea, who were also quoted as having interest in the midfielder.

But remaining at Dortmund, of course, isn't out of question either, given that he is under contract until 2025. 90min report that the German club are 'fully convinced' that Bellingham 'isn't determined' to leave the club in January or next summer.

Topics: Wayne Rooney, Jude Bellingham, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United, 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.