Manchester United target Jobe Bellingham has emerged as a high-value target for Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, Florian Plettenberg reports.
Leipzig are just one of a plethora of European clubs that have sounded out their interest in the talented midfielder.
However, according to Plettenberg, the Bundesliga side have nudged ahead of their competitors in the race to sign Bellingham.
Leipzig have reportedly held initial talks over a potential summer move.
They’ve gathered all the necessary information they need about what it would take to sign the teenager, but for now, they consider the total package ‘too expensive’.
The 19-year-old is currently valued at €22 million (£18.3m) on Transfermarkt, but Sunderland are demanding significantly more to let him go this summer.
Bellingham still has three years left on his contract, so the Black Cats are under no immediate pressure to cash in on their high-value asset.
However, with the player wanted by half the clubs in the Premier League and others abroad, a summer exit looks like the most plausible outcome.
Man United are one of several Premier League clubs also keen on Bellingham.
After perhaps the worst campaign in the club’s storied history, United are looking to revamp their squad this summer.
Ruben Amorim has his targets, but it is believed Bellingham has plenty of admirers among the United top brass, and the Red Devils could formalise their interest with a bid.
Bellingham is playing a starring role in Sunderland’s promotion bid this season, returning four goals and three assists in 34 Championship games.
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The teenager has been heavily tipped to follow in his brother’s footsteps, and several teams are looking to snap him up at what they believe could be a bargain relative to his enormous potential.
Leipzig considers Sunderland’s demands too expensive, and that bodes well for United, although the Red Devils still have the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Crystal Palace to contend with.
Palace, in particular, have made it a habit of shopping for gems in the Championship. They got Adam Wharton from Blackburn Rovers at a bargain and are looking to repeat that trick with Bellingham.