"Hardly..." - Huge club ruled out of the race to sign Jude Bellingham

Manchester United have been ruled out of the race to sign England star Jude Bellingham, according to a report.

The 19-year-old dazzled in England’s World Cup opener against Iran, nodding in the first of the Three Lions’ six goals.

While his second appearance of the tournament - a tepid 0-0 draw against the US - was less impressive, Bellingham remains one of the most sought-after midfielders in world football.

Manchester City, Real Madrid and Liverpool are thought to be the frontrunners for the 19-year-old, while Man Utd have also been linked with the teenager.

However, according to Florian Plettenberg, of Sky Sports Germany, Man Utd are out of the race to land the midfielder.

Man Utd have “no chance”

On Twitter, transfer expert Plettenberg said: “Been told that Man Utd hardly has a chance [to sign Bellingham] anymore.

“Triple fight: Liverpool, City, Real! Liverpool & Klopp pushing!

“But not at any price due to FFP. Price: Up to €150million! JB is LFCs top target for central midfield - next to 2 players from South America.”

The quoted €150million (£130million) for Bellingham would see the England star become the third most expensive player in history behind France winger Kylian Mbappe and Brazilian trickster Neymar.

Bellingham and Henderson

Bellingham is playing alongside a few Liverpool players for England, including club captain Jordan Henderson.

And according to centre-back Conor Coady, Henderson has shown a willingness to look out for the 19-year-old while in Qatar.

Coady told Lions’ Den: “He looks after Jude like there is no tomorrow. Jude is a young lad, sometimes we forget that because he is so mature and a fantastic footballer.

"He said something the other day about his mum making his bed, no word of a lie.

“We are talking about Jude Bellingham here, one of the best players in the world, and Hendo sat up at dinner and went 'What?’ and Jude went ‘Yeah, my mum makes my bed’, so Hendo is battering him.

“I would say someone like Henderson and [Kyle] Walker set the example."

Topics: Football, Jude Bellingham, Manchester United, Transfers, Liverpool, Real Madrid, England, Conor Coady

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.