Manchester United are in desperate need of reinforcements in midfield and have identified Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham as their number one transfer target
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Ligue 1 stars on Premier League transfer radar
Manchester United are hopeful Jude Bellingham could arrive at Old Trafford this summer but it all depends on whether they can trim their bloated squad.
The Red Devils are in desperate need of reinforcements in midfield with Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard set to leave as free agents in less than six months’ time.
And Ralf Rangnick’s men have identified the Borussia Dortmund man as their number one transfer target, just ahead of Declan Rice.
Both deals are only feasible at the end of the season, while United’s strategy would also hinge on outgoings.
There is a chance United could offer players as a potential makeweight if Dortmund were interested.
Here are four players who could be used as a sweetener in a deal for Bellingham.
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Donny van de Beek
The Dutchman is the most obvious candidate after a horrible spell at the club since joining Ajax.
The playmaker has been on the fringes under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and now Rangnick, expressing his desire to leave Manchester.
If Dortmund part ways with Bellingham, they will need a direct replacement and Van de Beek fits the profile of a player that would make them better collectively, as well as someone they could improve individually.
Anthony Martial
The Frenchman is destined to leave Old Trafford after a bitter fallout with Rangnick over the weekend,
Martial’s agent previously stated that his client wanted to leave in January as he remains frozen out of the first team.
Their fractured relationship worsened when Rangnick claimed the forward refused to play against Aston Villa, something Martial would later dispute on social media.
It’s a matter of when he will depart, not if, but he’s another player that clearly has talent, something that could appeal to Dortmund.
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Eric Bailly
The Ivorian is another United player looking for a fresh start, currently their fourth choice centre-back.
Bailly has been linked with a loan deal in the current window, but no move has materialised yet.
But the Red Devils wouldn’t be against getting him off their books on a permanent basis.
It could intrigue Dortmund given Mats Hummels’, 33, advancing age and the fact Dan-Axel Zagadou has been linked with an exit from Signal Iduna Park this month.
Aaron-Wan Bissaka
The full-back has suffered a dip in form this season with Diogo Dalot playing ahead of him on occasions.
There have always been lingering doubts over whether he is ‘United quality’ meaning fans have been quick to turn on him.
It also remains to be seen if he suits Rangnick’s philosophy whether he is in the dugout or behind the scenes next season.
Dortmund have been known to get the best out of English players, including Bellingham and Jadon Sancho, and perhaps they could get Wan-Bissaka back on track.
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