Man City likely to top bids for Borussia Dortmund star with Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool in the race

Officials from the Etihad Stadium are ‘likely’ to top any bids for Jude Bellingham, with the Borussia Dortmund star in-demand from Premier League clubs.

The England international is expected to be one of the most sought-after players in the summer transfer window, following a stellar spell with the Bundesliga giants and for Gareth Southgate’s England international side.

Jude Bellingham shone at the recent FIFA World Cup in Qatar, playing an integral midfield role for England as they reached the latter stages of the competition, despite still only being 19 years-old.

As Manchester City look towards a major summer rebuild for the next two years of Pep Guardiola’s stay at the Etihad Stadium, the midfield position is one element of club officials’ plans to be addressed with significant funding.

Those plans are expected to take them in the direction of Borussia Dortmund once again, after their successful pursuit of Norway international Erling Haaland last summer, and a new report has details the possibility of City making the best financial offer to the Bundesliga side, despite intense competition for the player.

According to the information of The Telegraph’s Jason Burt, Manchester City are ‘likely to top’ any bid made for Jude Bellingham this summer, and ‘appear prepared’ to help finance a deal with the potential sale of Bernardo Silva – who has attracted interest from both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

The same report also highlights the significant asking price that could be slapped on the negotiating tables with potential suitors, with the transfer fee for Bellingham believed to have been set at a minimum of €125 million.

But who could Manchester City be competing against for the signature of the England international?

From the Premier League, the understanding in various quarters is that all of Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool will be in the race to sign Jude Bellingham, while La Liga giants Real Madrid are also holding a strong interest in the player.

Los Blancos are understood to be a dream destination for the former Birmingham City man, but the player realises that any such move to Madrid could still be available later in his career, while a return to England could be greater for his development.

As for Manchester City and their midfield plans this summer, Etihad officials are likely to line up a number of back-up options in the event that they lose out in the race for Jude Bellingham – who is understood to be their number one target for the position.

Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic, Leicester City’s James Maddison, and West Ham United’s Declan Rice are also on Manchester City shortlist in midfield, while the idea of signing two central midfielders this summer is not entirely off the table.

City continue to seek clarity around the future of club captain Ilkay Gundogan, who is into the final few months of his existing contract, while talks continue with the Germany international’s representatives.