Sources: Big update on Man City pursuit of Jude Bellingham
Man City are shrinking in confidence about their chances of landing Jude Bellingham this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The Premier League champions have had a long-term interest in the 19-year-old midfielder and were planning to sign him in the upcoming transfer window.
But City now feel as though they trail significantly behind Real Madrid in the race to sign Bellingham, and are prepared to look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements.
City were considered among the favourites to sign the England international after Liverpool pulled out of the race, but reports now suggest that Madrid are close to agreeing a deal for Bellingham’s signature.
It is a blow for Pep Guardiola’s side, who are looking for midfielders to replace club captain Ilkay Gundogan when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Football Insider sources revealed on Sunday (14 May) that Barcelona are in pole position to sign Gundogan after holding talks.
City will not pull out of the race for Bellingham in case of any possible complications in his Madrid move, but they no longer expect him to join this summer.
The youngster has shone for Dortmund this season, scoring 14 goals and registering seven assists in 47 appearances across all competitions.
Dortmund are preparing to take rivals Bayern Munich all the way in the Bundesliga title race, with only one point separating the sides with two games remaining.
Bellingham has been pivotal to Dortmund’s efforts in the league, with the midfielder missing only one league fixture throughout 2022/23 because of suspension.
In other news, Guardiola ready to green light Man City move for Premier League ‘leader’