Pep Guardiola breaks silence on recent Jude Bellingham transfer developments

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has remained tight-lipped on the club’s pursuit of Borussia Dortmund and England star Jude Bellingham.

The 19 year-old could become a British transfer-record signing this summer, with Manchester City reportedly pursuing a deal to sign Jude Bellingham after Premier League rivals Liverpool exited the race to sign the midfielder earlier this week.

Bellingham could cost £130 million this summer and is also of interest to European heavyweights PSG and Real Madrid, with the latter ready to pay an initial €115 million according to The Telegraph.

Manchester City beat the Champions League holders to the signature of striker Erling Haaland last summer, with the 22 year-old moving to the Etihad Stadium from Borussia Dortmund for £51 million.

The Blues also signed centre-back Manuel Akanji from the German club for £15 million.

Manchester United and Chelsea also hold an interest in signing Bellingham but after Liverpool ruled out a move for the teenager, City and Real Madrid are considered front-runners should the midfielder choose to leave this summer.

City will ‘not simply stand by and allow’ Real Madrid to sign the 19 year-old according to The Telegraph earlier this week, who also reported that club sources have indicated that the Sky Blues are prepared to pay ‘whatever it takes’ to bring Bellingham to the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola provided a coy response when asked about signing the England midfielder ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Leicester City.

“How many press conferences have you come to here? You know the answer,” replied the Catalan.

“It’s not necessary, you have to prepare better. You come here, prepare the questions, knowing me which answer I’m going to give. Next question.”

Bellingham has made 37 appearances and been directly involved in 17 goals across three competitions so far this season for Dortmund.

The midfielder has scored four goals in seven UEFA Champions League appearances and scored against City in the competition last season.

City are preparing to add to their midfield this summer with the futures of both Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva still uncertain.

Gundogan is out of contract at the end of the season and is heavily linked with a potential free transfer to Barcelona.