Manchester City’s stance on Jude Bellingham amid Real Madrid’s intensified negotiations

While Real Madrid are seemingly on the verge of signing Jude Bellingham this summer, Manchester City reportedly retain interest in the midfielder albeit from afar.

The 19 year-old Borussia Dortmund youngster has crafted a compelling profile during his time in the Bundesliga thus far, playing a pivotal role in his side’s attack and developing his game to a whole new level.

Although Jude Bellingham still has two years left on his contract, top European clubs have been relentless in the chase to sign one of the most sought-after young players on the continent at present.

Real Madrid – who have been knocked out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage by Manchester City – are understandably still wounded by losing the battle to sign Erling Haaland to the Etihad club last summer, and now plan to ramp up their negotiations with Borussia Dortmund for Bellingham.

It has recently been reported that La Liga officials have not only plotted trips to Germany to negotiate with Borussia Dortmund, but have also prepared a bid in order to complete a deal as a matter of urgency.

While all signs point towards the teenage England international completing a move to the Santiago Bernabeu in the coming weeks and months, the latest information to emerge from ESPN offers a glimmer of hope from the viewpoint of Manchester City.

It has been claimed that the Premier League champions-elect have not abandoned their bid to sign Jude Bellingham entirely, and are instead monitoring developments closely should Real Madrid fail to reach an agreement with Borussia Dortmund.

Liverpool had also identified the former Birmingham City star as a transfer target following his impressive showings at the 2022 World Cup. However, Anfield transfer chiefs dropped out of the race soon after the January transfer window closed.

There is a good chance that Manchester City may not find the room to take over Real Madrid in the race to sign Jude Bellingham this summer, and as such be forced to refocus their attentions in the midfield department elsewhere.

A potential fix could see the defending Premier League champions explore other options and reach a mutual agreement with Ilkay Gundogan, who is currently out of contract at the end of the ongoing campaign.

Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic and Leicester City’s James Maddison are both understood to have admirers within the Etihad Stadium, and Manchester City could launch approaches for either player should an opportunity present itself.