Man City: 'Haaland has now told' £83m star to join him at the Etihad | OneFootball

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has ‘directly told’ Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham that he should make the move to the Etihad Stadium, according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.

Pep Guardiola has set his sights on sealing back-to-back Premier League titles, having been crowned champions last season, and it appears he is keen to bolster his midfield.

What’s the latest news involving Bellingham?

According to The Sun, Manchester City are convinced they will win the race to lure Bellingham back to his homeland from Dortmund next year.

The report suggests a deal could be struck for the 17-cap England international if a fee of £83million is paid upfront during the 2023 summer transfer window.

But Manchester City are not Bellingham’s only suitors as it is understood that Chelsea are now in the hunt for his signature, with the Blues’ hierarchy attempting to make inroads in the central midfielder’s camp.

Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester United also hoped to strike a deal before the deadline on September 1, but Dortmund were unwilling to sanction his departure at that stage.

If Manchester City and Bellingham’s other suitors are not in a position to fork out an upfront fee of £83million, it seems they would reportedly have to pay £132million in instalments.

What has Ben Jacobs said about Bellingham?

Jacobs understands that Manchester City are eager to sign Bellingham and Haaland is playing a key role in attempting to lure the 19-year-old to the Etihad Stadium.

The journalist believes the frontman’s influence could be vital as Guardiola aims to get a deal over the line.

Jacobs told GIVEMESPORT: “You’ve got Manchester City, who haven’t yet moved but are very keen on the player and Erling Haaland has directly told Jude Bellingham that it would be a good move for him.

“How much weight we put behind that remains to be seen. There will be other players, for example in the England camp, that have no doubt spoken to Bellingham about their respective clubs as well.

“One player telling another player to come and join isn’t always a big deal. But the fact that they were team-mates and they get on could be a decisive factor as well.”

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Why could Haaland play a key role in negotiations?

Haaland made the big-money move to Manchester City from Dortmund during the summer but, before that, he struck up a good relationship with Bellingham.

The duo made 63 appearances alongside one another during their stint together at Signal Iduna Park and, in the process, provided seven goals for each other.

Bellingham has just shy of three years remaining on his £49,000-per-week contract and, with Dortmund seemingly open to parting ways next year, Haaland and Manchester City should pounce.