Manchester United have always been interested in Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The 19-year-old is being linked with a move to the Premier League, and Sheth says former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken to him about a transfer to Old Trafford in the past.

GiveMeSport Transfer News

GiveMeSport Transfer News

What is the latest news involving Bellingham?

As per The Athletic, United, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea are all interested in Bellingham, while Real Madrid are also thought to have the Englishman on their radar.

If Dortmund do decide to sell him next summer, the same outlet states that he is likely to cost €150m (around £132m).

This would not be United's first time making a move for Bellingham. Again, according to The Athletic, they also tried to sign him when he was 15, but a deal could not be agreed with his former club Birmingham City.

The England international continues to be a key player for Dortmund, playing in all 10 of their games so far this season.

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What has Sheth said about Bellingham and United?

Sheth says United's interest in Bellingham is nothing new and that the player has held discussions at Old Trafford in the past about a move to the Red Devils.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the Sky Sports reporter said: "Man United have always been interested because before he went to Borussia Dortmund, United did hold talks, and I think Bellingham did come to Old Trafford and he did talk to people there, including Sir Alex Ferguson.

"But it was decided that his development would be best served if he was to go to Borussia Dortmund first and was getting regular first-team football as a 17, 18, 19-year-old. And look, people are actually talking about him being a starter at the World Cup now, so it'll be interesting to see what's going to happen with Jude Bellingham next summer."

Should United sign Bellingham?

If they can, then absolutely. The Manchester club would be set for years in midfield if they actually managed to land him.

At 19, he is easily one of the best young midfielders in the world. As per FBref, Bellingham has ranked in the 85th percentile for progressive carries, the 97th for dribbles completed, the 97th for touches in the attacking penalty area and the 96th for progressive passes received among his positional peers over the last year.

He would be a superb addition to Erik ten Hag's squad, though it looks like there is going to be a real scrap for his signature ahead of the 2023/24 season.