Manchester City 'confident of winning the race for Jude Bellingham'

Manchester City are reportedly confident of securing the services of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham despite the intense competition for his signature.

The 19-year-old has starred for BVB during the 2022-23 campaign, contributing nine goals and two assists in 21 appearances in all competitions.

Meanwhile, since arriving at Dortmund from Birmingham City in the summer of 2020, the midfielder has scored 19 goals and registered 20 assists in 111 appearances.

A host of the world's biggest clubs, including Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea, are said to be keen to sign the England international next summer.

However, according to the Daily Mail, Man City are in a strong position to secure his services, with the Citizens confident that they are currently in pole position for the teenager.

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The report claims that Man City's strong relationship with Dortmund, following Erling Braut Haaland's move, has put Pep Guardiola's team in control of the transfer battle.

However, it is alleged that Bellingham might remain at BVB next summer before moving to the Etihad Stadium at a later date.

The Englishman played twice against Man City in the group stage of the Champions League, scoring in a 2-1 defeat in Manchester on September 14, before helping his side pick up a point in a goalless draw with the Premier League champions at the end of October.

Guardiola recently hailed the former Birmingham youngster, branding him "the whole package".

"He was 17 when he arrived but it was not just about his quality, how he was leading, his kicking, going to the referee," said the Man City boss.

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"This guy was something special in terms of his mentality. Now he is 19 and he is already one of the captains. The quality, everybody knows it. The whole package is really good."

A recent report claimed that Man United boss Erik ten Hag had identified Bellingham as his leading transfer target for next summer's window.

Real Madrid are also said to be in a strong position when it comes to the midfielder, although it is alleged that the Spanish and European champions are not prepared to pay the £130m that might be required to sign him.

Bellingham is widely expected to be a starter for England at the upcoming World Cup, potentially lining up alongside Declan Rice in the middle of midfield.