Speaking on talkSPORT, Jermaine Pennant has lauded Manchester United target Jude Bellingham.
What did he say?
The 16-year-old has been lighting up the Championship this season for Birmingham, making a total of 28 appearances in the competition, and scoring four times.
Reports in recent weeks and months have suggested United are targeting a move for the teenager, and that they tried to sign him last month – however, it was suggested the Red Devils found the £25m fee too prohibitive.
Now, Pennant has delivered a glowing verdict on the midfielder, even comparing him to Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.
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He said: “He’s a fantastic player. He reminds me of a young Steven Gerrard. He throws himself about, he can get up and down the pitch, he can score goals and assist goals, he’s got trickery. He’s a fantastic young player. And at 16 years of age he’s doing this week in, week out in the Championship.
“The Championship is a very, very strong, demanding and physical league, and he’s throwing his body about; he’s strong and he’s only going to get stronger. I’m surprised there are not more teams interested in him than just Chelsea and Manchester United because he is a really special talent. What he can achieve in his career is frightening.”
The future
Whilst all the talk this summer will revolve around whether United can seal a deal for Borussia Dortmund sensation Jadon Sancho, they shouldn’t let Bellingham fall under the radar.
Their interest in the youngster is a promising sign for this rebuild they are currently undergoing, and he certainly fits the profile of what they are reportedly looking for: young and exciting.
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At 16, Bellingham could well join Sancho in being the poster boys of this United revolution, and they could form a key part of the side for more than just a decade considering their ages. Pennant’s verdict on him only makes a swoop for him that much more important and appealing.
Meanwhile, Man Utd have been told by a former player that this Premier League ace “just pips” James Maddison.
