Manchester United have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Jude Bellingham this summer. 

Bellingham has received plenty of attention from a number of European clubs after an impressive debut season in the Championship.

Reports emerged last week that the teenager has decided to join Borussia Dortmund instead of Man United. However, according to The Sun, as relayed by The Evening Standard, Dortmund are struggling to afford Birmingham City's £31m valuation.

This could be the perfect opportunity for the Red Devils to gain an advantage. Understandably, this latest development spells bad news for Nemanja Matic.

After breaking into the first team, Bellingham has made quite a name for himself at St Andrew's, as he has played in 32 games in the Championship for the Blues, scoring four goals and providing two assists as well as averaging 1.2 shots per game and making 2.3 tackles on average (WhoScored).

Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has previously described him as a “young Steven Gerrard,” amid interest from United, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Dortmund - to name but a few.

Meanwhile, Nemanja Matic, who was a favourite of old boss Jose Mourinho, has had quite a dramatic fall from grace.

While the Serbian has struggled with injury, he has made 12 appearances in the Premier League under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, producing one assist, registering 2 tackles per game, and attempting fewer than 1 shot on average (WhoScored).

At 31-years-old, Matic isn't getting any younger, and although his performances improved prior to the nationwide lockdown, he is arguably entering the twilight of his career.

It is fair to say United have pulled out all the stops to try to persuade Bellingham to move to Old Trafford. Indeed, the club rolled out the red carpet by giving the 16-year-old a private tour of Carrington, led by none other than Sir Alex Ferguson himself.

Moreover, the Serbia international is the team's only recognised defensive midfielder, which means the two players would be competing for game time if the transfer goes through.

If the youngster decides to join the Red Devils, it is the former Chelsea player who will probably miss out the most, as Solskjaer has given the youth plenty of chances so far.

United fans, do you think Ed Woodward should sign Jude Bellingham in the summer? Let us know down below!