Manchester United have been warned they have no hope of signing Jude Bellingham by former Red Devils star Teddy Sheringham.
Bellingham has been starring for Borussia Dortmund and England over recent years to become one of the brightest talents in Europe. He is likely to leave Signal Iduna Park at the end of the season, with the battle over the midfielder already kicking into gear.
Manchester City, Real Madrid and Liverpool are currently seen as the frontrunners for the 19-year-old. But United are thought to hold an interest in signing him as Erik ten Hag continues to work to overhaul his squad in next summer's window.
Sheringham though is not convinced that the Red Devils have a realistic chance of bringing Bellingham to Old Trafford. He believes they are not an attractive option for Bellingham, who will undoubtedly have title contenders eyeing him.
"Jude Bellingham was so impressive against Iran in every department. If Kalvin Phillips had been playing there's no way he'd have scored the first goal. Phillips would have been 25 yards back and watching the play unfold," Sheringham told Boyle Sports.
"Bellingham had been told to get forward and obviously had the legs to get back. He would be a brilliant signing for any 'big six' Premier League club. He's not a carbon copy of Steven Gerrard but they're similar in the fact they both drive forward from deep.
"In terms of which club he suits, Man United will want him but City and Liverpool are way ahead of them at the moment. City looks the most likely, particularly as Pep Guardiola is staying for another two years."
That is a damning assessment from a man who was a key part of United's famous treble win in 1999. Sheringham won three Premier League titles during his time at Old Trafford, though he clearly does not see United challenging for the top-flight in time to sign Bellingham.
Bellingham is currently starring for England at the World Cup, playing a key role in the Three Lions' dominant win over Iran. His performance led to former United skipper Roy Keane hailing him for his performance.
"He’s a better than the options that Gareth has got and we’ve seen that in the last few games, he’s more dynamic, can get forward. He scored there the other night, his goal record for his club is very very good," Keane told ITV.
"He’s a big strong boy, he’s mature, played 150 games, it looks natural to him. We could talk about him all day. You look at his clips, he looks like a footballer, he looks like he could play all sports, a talented boy.
"He’s got a great stage, 19 years of age, my goodness, he’s still a child, but his future, my goodness, if he keeps his feet on the ground, he looks like he’s got a good on his shoulders world class no doubt."
