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Wayne Rooney begs Manchester United to sign 'hottest youngster in world football' Jude Bellingham
Amid links to Manchester City and Liverpool, Wayne Rooney is hoping his former side Manchester United are also entering the race for his signature.
After three years at Borussia Dortmund, it seems increasingly likely that Bellingham will leave Germany next summer as Premier League sides circle for his signature.
Manchester City currently lead the way as favourites according to the Daily Mail, but Liverpool have also been heavily linked.
When asked about the 19-year-old midfielder, Red Devils legend Rooney insisted he’d love to see his former team snap him up ahead of their rivals.
When asked if he thinks United should target Bellingham, Rooney told talkSPORT: “I hope so! I hope he doesn’t go to Liverpool or City!
“But I’m sure they’re doing their work, he’s probably the hottest youngster in world football at the minute.
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“I’m sure United are looking at that as well, I know they tried to get him a couple of years ago, so I’d hope so. He’s a player that United could really do with at the minute.”
Pulling power
It’s hard for any Manchester United fan to argue that they’re a more attractive club than the likes of City and Liverpool right now.
But despite the lack of recent silverware, United will always boast a huge lure to players due to their storied history and rich legacy.
Players will always want to come and emulate the success of previous United heroes, and Erik ten Hag will hope that Bellingham wants to come and join his rebuild at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman has done a superb job of handling United this season and his signings so far have all proved to be impactful. Champions League football will be necessary to persuade Bellingham to join, but provided they secure that there’s no reason United can’t financially go head-to-head with either City or Liverpool.
It’d certainly be a twist in the tale as City seem strong favourites to snap up the England international, but United love to do things late so who knows what’s in store next summer.
In other Manchester United news, Erik ten Hag delivers a ‘lifestyle’ warning to Alejandro Garnacho