Birmingham City are prepared to turn down any offers for Jude Bellingham, and are confident of keeping hold of the 16-year-old despite interest from Manchester United and Liverpool.
The England Under-17 international has made 26 senior appearances for Birmingham across all competitions, scoring four goals and picking up one assist.
Despite his tender years, Bellingham is widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the Football League, with a number of scouts impressed with how he's conducted himself in his breakthrough campaign.
Manchester United have previously offered upwards of £30m for Bellingham in an attempt to add to their pool homegrown talent, but that move is in doubt after it was suggested that he'd need to spend time with the Under-23s before breaking into the senior setup.
Now, a source has told 90min that Birmingham are willing to rebuff any offers they receive for Bellingham - and believe they can keep hold of him beyond this season. The player's family want him to be playing as regularly as possible, too, and recognise that staying at St Andrew's would improve those chances.
A move to a 'big six' team is not out of the question in the future, nor is a move to Leicester City, with 90min previously learning that a move would be considered - if the circumstances were right.
Currently, Bellingham is on a scholarship at Birmingham and will be eligible for a full professional contract when he turns 17 at the end of the season. He's likely - at this stage - to commit his immediate future to the club, which is a boost considering the club find themselves at odds with the FA.
90min has been told that a transfer embargo - similar to the one handed to Chelsea at the start of the season - could be issued, meaning any money recouped from Bellingham's sale would sit in the bank, rather than being re-invested in the playing squad.
Bellingham, therefore, would be irreplaceable and there is a growing confidence that the club will hold firm and reject any bids.
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Source :
90min
