Jude Bellingham 'is only a signature away from joining Borussia Dortmund' as they push ahead of Man United in the race for Birmingham's £35m-rated 16-year-old... despite Sir Alex Ferguson leading the charm offensive!

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Jude Bellingham is just a signature away from completing a summer move to Borussia Dortmund, according to reports in Germany.

The Birmingham City wonderkid will turn down the advances of Manchester United and Chelsea in favour of signing with the Bundesliga giants.

According to Bild, the move would likely have been completed sooner if not for the coronavirus outbreak but Dortmund remain confident of landing the talented 16-year-old.

Birmingham's Jude Bellingham is reportedly close to completing a move to Borussia Dortmund

The coronavirus-enforced break could still present economic problems for Dortmund in making the move, with Birmingham wanting £35million and upwards for the promising midfielder.

Talks with Bellingham were at an advanced stage before the pandemic and it is unclear when they will resume given lockdown measures.

The report also suggests a move could depend on whether the current campaign can be finished, which would likely affect how much they can pay for the teenager.

Bellingham, 16, has been a star in the Championship and has been in talks with Man United

Bellingham is thought to be very keen on a move to Dortmund where he believes he will get more playing time, compared to that of United or the Blues.

United have held talks with Bellingham and even showed him around Carrington, after he was pictured leaving United's training ground earlier this month.

Bellingham’s family are believed to have met United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and chief transfer negotiator Matt Judge. Sir Alex Ferguson was also present as part of the sales pitch.

Jude Bellingham's parents were pictured leaving United's training HQ earlier this month

Bellingham left Carrington in the back of a black Mercedes driven by his father Mark

United also reportedly offered lower wages compared with Dortmund.

Chelsea also spoke with the player over the phone and are yet to meet him in person.

Bellingham cannot sign his first professional contract until he turns 17 in June but a delay of the current campaign will mean his contract with Birmingham will continue until that has finished, following the announcements made by FIFA earlier this month.