Dortmund looking at Manchester United midfielder to replace Bellingham

Jude Bellingham has picked his next club after three seasons with Borussia Dortmund. Real Madrid have beaten Liverpool to the punch in the pursuit of the Englishman.

Now, Los Blancos, who have trimmed their squad by allowing Karim Benzema, Eden Hazard, Mariano, and Marco Asensio to depart, are working with Dortmund to complete Bellingham’s transfer. Real will pay a fixed fee of €100m, and remain in talks over finding an agreement on add-ons and other clauses.

Dortmund, meanwhile, plan to make a move for Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, German outlet HL-1 (via the Manchester Evening News) have reported. Mejbri spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Birmingham City – the club where Bellingham made his breakthrough.

Dortmund interested in Manchester United youngster Hannibal Mejbri

The highly-rated United talent has so far played his best football in the final third, registering five assists in the Championship last term. As such, he might not be the best replacement for Bellingham, who has thrived in a box-to-box midfield role for Dortmund.

Further, United’s position on Hannibal’s future remains unknown. For now, the 20-year-old is expected to feature in the club’s pre-season tour.

However, Erik ten Hag’s decision to make an approach for Mason Mount suggests Hannibal isn’t in the frame to land a first-team role anytime soon. The Chelsea midfielder also operates best as an attacking number 8.

Dean Henderson is another United player who appears to be out of Ten Hag’s plans. As per ESPN, United are ready to let the goalkeeper join Nottingham Forest once David de Gea has signed a new contract.

Like Hannibal, Henderson also spent the last season away from Old Trafford and impressed bosses at Forest, who are now keen to sign him permanently.