Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for Jude Bellingham's brother Jobe as Ruben Amorim sees the young midfielder as a perfect fit for his 3-4-2-1 system. Bellingham followed in his elder brother Jude's footsteps and signed for Borussia Dortmund in the summer transfer window from Sunderland but the youngster has struggled for regular game time in Germany under Niko Kovac.
Bellingham struggling in Germany
After starring for Sunderland in the Championship last season and helping them secure a promotion to the Premier League, Bellingham attracted interest from Borussia Dortmund, a club where his elder brother Jude had previously thrived. He eventually sealed a move to the Bundesliga, as Dortmund agreed to pay the Black Cats a €33 million (£28m/$38m) transfer fee. Jobe was expected to have a similar impact as his sibling, however, so far this season, the midfielder has struggled to solidify a place in Dortmund's starting lineup. He has featured in eight matches across all competitions, accumulating just 281 minutes of action. He has been named in the starting XI only three times – twice in the Bundesliga and once in the Champions League – while failing to register a goal or an assist.
Bellingham has also been accused of holding back Dortmund this season, as Germany legend Dietmar Hamann said: "The momentum Niko Kovac has brought to the table is truly impressive. Finally, consistency. The whole team is finally working for the win. I don't think they'll be able to keep up with Munich until the end, because Bayern seem to be able to step up a gear when necessary. But BVB's development is really good. Just imagine if they had even won the games in Turin and at St. Pauli. Then they'd be on Bayern's level. The only cause for concern seems to be Jobe Bellingham. Young, expensive and, so far, not even half as good as Jude Bellingham. It's not getting any easier for him."
AdvertisementGetty Images SportUnited eyeing a move for Bellingham
Despite signing a five-year contract only a few months ago, Bellingham is already being linked with a move away from Dortmund and according to , United are closely monitoring the youngster's situation, potentially plotting a move to bring him back to his homeland. The report adds that Red Devils boss Amorim is an admirer of the midfielder and he believes that Bellingham would nicely fit his complex 3-4-2-1 setup, as his physical strength will be of great use at the centre of the park.
However, United are not the only club chasing Bellingham as they are likely to face competition from Premier League rivals Crystal Palace, who are also in search of a midfielder. Palace know that their star player Adam Wharton could depart Selhurst Park next summer, amid interest from European giants like Real Madrid, while United also have their eyes on the England international. As a result, the Eagles have seemingly begun their search for Wharton's replacement already.
United looking to bolster midfield
Amorim spent heavily to strengthen United's attack in the last summer transfer window, as the club brought in big names for big money, in Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. Midfield, however, still remains an area of concern. The Red Devils need a long-term replacement for an ageing Casemiro, while home-grown star Kobbie Mainoo could exit Old Trafford due to a surprising lack of game time this season.
United had also pushed to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton towards the end of the summer transfer window but a move for the Seagulls star failed to come to fruition due to his massive £115m ($156m) price tag ($156m). Some reports have suggested that United could make another move for the youngster at the turn of the year.
Getty Images SportLiverpool test up next for United
After a series of poor results throughout September, which saw United drop to the 14th position on the league table, the team finally regained confidence by comprehensively beating Sunderland just before the international break. Amorim's team will now aim to make it two wins in a row next Sunday as they visit Anfield to take on champions Liverpool in a key Premier League clash. The Merseysiders are in a slump after three straight defeats, so now could be the perfect opportunity.
