Manchester United may have missed out on a deal to sign Jude Bellingham back in 2020, but the Red Devils could fare better next summer after rekindling their interest in the highly-rated England star.
Since snubbing a move to Old Trafford two years ago, Bellingham has excelled in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund and is now one of the most coveted midfielders in Europe. Unsurprisingly, the vultures are already circling, with a host of top clubs keen on prising the 19-year-old away from Germany.
There is strong interest in Bellingham from the Premier League, with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp known to be an avid admirer of the talented teenager. But United may hold the edge over their arch-rivals in the race for Bellingham.
The Athletic claims Bellingham's suitors believe that 'putting in the groundwork' with the midfielder's father, Mark, is a 'priority' ahead of any future move - and that could put United in pole position to fend off rival interest.
Football director John Murtough has struck up a friendship with Mark in recent years and the pair are still close to this day. United have a long-standing interest in Bellingham and have watched the youngster at various age levels since he was 12-years-old.
The Red Devils were the side who came closest to landing Bellingham before his switch to Dortmund was agreed in 2020, but they also tried to prise the former Birmingham City academy graduate away from St Andrews when he was just 15. Ultimately, though, the family had a loyalty to Blues and a financial package could not be agreed.
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Although Bellingham has tried to distance himself from transfer speculation in recent weeks, it is widely anticipated that the midfielder will indeed be on the move next summer, with Liverpool and United expected to be in the frame for his signature.
Dortmund were never likely to entertain the idea of selling another prized asset after losing the services of Erling Haaland to Manchester City earlier in the window. However, next summer, Bellingham will have just two years remaining on his deal and big-money bids could be considered.
When the midfielder was quizzed on his future prior to Dortmund's dramatic Champions League defeat by City last week, he said: "The club have done loads for me and made me feel very welcome since I first came and gave me the opportunities to develop even further. To look past that and into the future would be disrespectful. It's not something I am thinking about, to be honest."
But Bellingham's public stance is unlikely to deter his extensive list of suitors, who will be confident that they can persuade Dortmund - who have a history of cashing in on their prized assets - to do business in 12 months' time.
