Manchester United have been handed a transfer update from Birmingham boss Pep Clotet amid
their pursuit over Jude Bellingham.
The 16-year-old has taken the Championship by storm this season and has been touted for
big things in the future.
It has led to intense speculation that United could come along and snap him up.
But the figures have been astronomical, with a £30m bid touted to be enough to prise him
away from St. Andrew's.
However, Blues boss Clotet has appeared to swat the rumours away from his prized jewel
after claims emerged that the reports were getting to the teenager.
Asked if the transfer rumours are getting to the youngster, the Blues boss said: “Oh
not at all.
“On the contrary, I see Jude is very focused on his football and on his team.
“This is his town, these are his people and this is his club.
He loves this club and he’s very focused in training, he’s taken the whole situation
as a professional.
“I’m delighted about that and I just hope that he keeps this mentality for the rest
of this career because he’s fantastic future professional here.”
Clotet was further pressed on the claims that a £30m bid was offered to Birmingham for
Bellingham's services.
Asked about the valuation, the former Oxford United boss said: “How good is that!
“The fact in the press they are saying these clubs are watching our players for this amount
of money, it just makes us proud that he know we’re doing things the right way, in giving
a path to the first-team for the players in our academy.
“On a personal point it makes me proud that I was here with him when he started this journey,
and he makes the club and his team-mates proud for the fact one of our players is attracting
this interest.
“I think it’s fantastic for the club.
“But I have heard nothing, everything is the same and I’ve had no communication on
this matter, so there’s nothing to worry about.”