Image Credits: Imago Images
Heading into the January transfer window, it’s already well understood that Manchester United’s next priority in their squad rebuild is for a new midfielder.
Ruben Amorim currently has Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte at his disposal; however, the club are starting to look at long-term replacements.
Kobbie Mainoo has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford under Amorim, with the United academy graduate even asking to go out on loan to get more game time, a request which was rejected.
Instead Casemiro and Fernandes are the routine starters in the middle of the pitch at Old Trafford, with Manuel Ugarte yet to make his presence known after signing from PSG last summer.
However, with Casemiro in the last few months of his contract at the age of 33-years-old, and rumours building about a potential departure of Fernandes in the summer, United need a new midfielder.
Even if Fernandes does remain beyond next summer, which his recent comments suggest is his preferred option, the club captain is 31 years old, meaning a long-term replacement for the Portugal international will be needed in the coming years.
As such, United have been strongly linked with talented Premier League midfielders Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton.
However, BILD have now reported another name is rejoining their shortlist after being scouted last season.
It’s understood that Jobe Bellingham is once more being monitored by United after The Red Devils looked to signing him whilst he was at Sunderland before joining the Bundesliga, following in his brother’s footsteps.
The 20-year-old moved to Dortmund this summer for £26.5 million after shining for the Black Cats, helping them achieve promotion to the Premier League.
However, Jobe Bellingham has routinely been used as a substitute, racking up only 301 minutes across nine games, averaging at 33 minutes per game.
The situation has become even more complex after Bellingham’s father, Mark Bellingham, confronted Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl after the first Bundesliga match with St Pauli.
As such, United are keeping tabs on the youngster, along with Crystal Palace, in case a January move could be on the cards.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTREDEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!