Manchester United are still keeping tabs on Birmingham’s 16-year-old midfielder Jude Bellingham.
Bellingham made his Football League debut in August and scored the winner in his first home appearance for Birmingham, against Stoke City.
United’s assistant manager Mike Phelan is the latest to make an inquiry about the midfielder, according to The Sun .
Phelan watched the starlet in action against West Brom earlier this month and has scouted him again as United keep a close eye in his development.
However Championship club Birmingham are in no mood to sell and are desperate to keep hold of their prized asset.
Bellingham’s inspiring form in the second tier has led to a call up to England’s U17s side, while Bayern Munich are also believed to be keeping tabs on his development.
(Image: TIM EASTHOPE/BIRMINGHAM MAIL)
The 16-year-old midfielder has attracted attention from all over the globe after breaking into the first team at St Andrews with some strong displays.
Bellingham would be a signing for the future, with Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer likely to introduce him to the first team in cup games.
Birmingham boss Pep Clotet recently heaped praise on Bellingham, and revealed his delight in the club being able to provide fans with “one of their own”.
“I think there is nothing better than seeing a player who has been developed completely at your club make it through to the first team,” Clotet told Sky Sports.
(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
“And making it properly too because it is very easy to give minutes to young players. Playing them when you are sure they are going to make it is different.
“We planned everything very well with Jude.
“We started him in a position that would suit him and release some pressure on him, as a kind of false winger. Slowly we moved him into midfield where he could gain confidence.
“Now we are playing him in his position in a more advanced role. It took careful planning to make sure that he would make it. Now the fans have one of their own on the pitch.”
