Football News : Manchester City keen on winning Jude Bellingham race

Despite the fierce competition for the services of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, Manchester City is apparently optimistic in their ability to sign him. The 19-year-old has been a standout for BVB during the 2022-23 season, making 21 appearances across all competitions and producing nine goals and two assists.

The midfielder has made 111 appearances since joining Dortmund from Birmingham City in the summer of 2020 and has tallied 19 goals and 20 assists. The top teams in the world, including as Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea, are rumoured to be interested in signing the England international next summer.

The Citizens believe they are now in pole position for the adolescent, but the Daily Mail claims that Man City are in a great position to capture his services. In the group stage of the Champions League, the Englishman faced up against Man City twice, scoring in a 2-1 loss in Manchester on September 14 before assisting his team to a point in a scoreless draw with the Premier League champions at the end of October.

The former Birmingham teenager was recently praised by Guardiola, who called him "the whole package."

"He was 17 when he arrived but it was not just about his quality, how he was leading, his kicking, going to the referee,"

said the Man City boss.

"This guy was something special in terms of his mentality. Now he is 19 and he is already one of the captains. The quality, everybody knows it. The whole package is really good."

Erik ten Hag, the manager of Man United, has named Bellingham as his top transfer target for the upcoming summer transfer window.

Real Madrid is also thought to be in a strong position to sign the midfielder, despite claims that the Spanish and European champions are unwilling to spend the estimated £130 million needed to do so.

At the 2017 World Cup, Bellingham is anticipated to start for England, possibly lining up next to Declan Rice in the middle of midfield.

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