Manchester United reportedly 'appreciate' Jude Bellingham and are being kept aware of the developments surrounding the Borussia Dortmund midfielder.

The England international's future remains the subject of much speculation, with Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester City believed to be the favourites to sign him this summer.

Man United were heavily linked with the teenager during his time at Birmingham City, but Dortmund ultimately won the race to sign him from the Blues in the summer of 2020.

Various reports in recent months have claimed that the 20-time English champions are not serious contenders to sign the 19-year-old ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

However, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils are in the race for his signature.

Romano claims that the size of Man United's summer transfer budget is currently unclear due to the situation surrounding the ownership of the club.

The journalist added that there has not yet been a final decision on Bellingham's future, with all options still on the table, including potentially signing a new contract.

A recent report claimed that the midfielder could pen a new deal with BVB, which would include a release clause, potentially leading to his exit in the summer of 2024.

"Of course we're trying to keep Jude Bellingham at Borussia Dortmund as long as possible," Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl recently told Ruhr Nachrichten when asked about the youngster.

"He's an incredibly important player who has shown once again this season how he identifies with this club and makes the team better."

Liverpool's hopes of signing Bellingham will allegedly not be impacted by their struggles this season, even if the Reds fail to qualify for the 2023-24 Champions League.

Jurgen Klopp's side are currently seventh in the Premier League table, nine points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, while they are on the verge of being eliminated from the European Cup due to their 5-2 loss to Real Madrid in the first leg of their last-16 tie.

Bellingham has been in impressive form for BVB during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 10 goals and registering six assists in 30 appearances in all competitions.

Meanwhile, the midfielder has represented his German club on 120 occasions since arriving three years ago, contributing 20 goals and 24 assists in the process.

Man United are expected to sign a new central midfielder this summer but could concentrate their efforts on bringing in a centre-forward, with Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane said to be the leading targets.

Bellingham's current deal with BVB has more than two years left to run, placing the Bundesliga side in a strong position to negotiate this summer even if they cannot sign him to a new contract. body check tags ::