Manchester United eyeing Jobe Bellingham as long-term Bruno Fernandes replacement

Manchester United are monitoring Borussia Dortmund’s Jobe Bellingham as a long-term replacement for club captain Bruno Fernandes, according to a report from Fichajes, amid growing uncertainty over the Portuguese midfielder’s future at Old Trafford.

Fernandes, 32, was dropped by manager Michael Carrick for United’s Premier League fixture against Bournemouth after making comments following a 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como. Although the pair subsequently reconciled and Fernandes returned to the starting line-up, Atletico Madrid are said to be monitoring the situation with a view to signing him.

With that backdrop, Fichajes names Bellingham — who turned 21 this year — as a “gamble” United could take to replace their talismanic playmaker. The report is careful to note, however, that “there is no evidence of an offer from United” at this stage.

Bellingham has been in impressive form at Dortmund, following a path strikingly similar to that of his elder brother Jude, who also developed at Signal Iduna Park before his high-profile move to Real Madrid. Jobe progressed through Birmingham City and Sunderland before joining Dortmund at the start of last season, and was recently named in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the November international break alongside Jude.

United’s interest in the Bellingham family is not new. The club submitted a £30 million offer for Jude when he was still a Birmingham City youngster, only for the player to opt for the Bundesliga as his preferred route to the top. That history could give United a degree of familiarity — and perhaps credibility — in any future approach for Jobe.

Transfermarkt currently values Jobe Bellingham at €40 million. United return to Premier League action after the international break with a trip to Liverpool.