Rio Ferdinand has urged former club Manchester United to take a "calculated gamble" and sign Jude Bellingham from Birmingham City.

Bellingham has established himself as a regular in the Birmingham first team at the age of just 16 this season, making 35 appearances across all competitions.

The youngster's precocious start to his career has seen him tipped as a future star, and United are understood to be leading the race for his signature this summer after inviting him to their training ground.

Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and Liverpool are also interested in the £30m-rated midfielder, and Ferdinand believes that United should "100%" try to beat those clubs to his signature.

"Huge talent, really good looking footballer in the way he plays. The balance, the maturity at such a young age," Ferdinand said about Bellingham during an Instagram Q&A.

"The price tag is phenomenal- £30m for a kid. But it's the way of the world now. But if we keep him for 10 years it's money well spent. But to be playing in the Championship doing what he's doing - it's a gamble but a calculated one. If I'm Manchester United 100% I take him.

"He seems to have it all, can play anywhere across the front. I love seeing these young kids, it's what I live for."

Bellingham has scored four goals and registered three assists in 32 Championship outings this season.