Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Jude Bellingham has "outgrown" Borussia Dortmund, as speculation over his future continues to grow.
The 19-year-old midfielder, who opted to join Dortmund instead of United following his departure from Birmingham City two years ago, has again been heavily linked with United. Bellingham has impressed suitors around the world during his time in Germany, scoring 12 goals and providing 18 assists in the 98 appearances he has made for the Black and Yellows.
Given his form, it is therefore no surprise that United are now being linked with a move to sign Bellingham, as rumours surrounding his desire to leave the club next summer refuse to go away. The former Birmingham player was tight-lipped when recently asked about his future at Dortmund, as he refused to give much away due to the respect he has for his current club.
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Speaking to PA about his future, he said: "The club has done loads for me, made me feel very welcome and given me the opportunities to develop further. To look past that and into the future would be disrespectful."
However, Ferdinand has now claimed that the talented youngster has outgrown the Bundesliga side, as he heaped praise on Bellingham ahead of his Champions League appearance against rivals Manchester City.
He told BT Sport: "I think he’s even sitting there like without being too arrogant but thinking ‘I’ve probably outgrown Borussia Dortmund already’ I think he’ll be sitting there saying that with all due respect. Thinking I’m a year behind when I should’ve left because he’s got that self belief that you need to take you to them heights.
"When he played against City, one of the telling factors was the interview that Pep [Guardiola] done and he couldn’t believe at his age how he carried himself, spoke to other players, his teammates who are more experienced than him. That shows his character.
"It’s more interesting to work out what type of player he is and what type of player you’d get in an England shirt where I’m sure he’ll play in the summer. He’s combative, both sides of the game, aggressive, he’s a Swiss-army-knife, he does everything. Great player."
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