Ferdinand urges Man Utd to go back for Bellingham despite Ferguson snub

Rio Ferdinand has urged Manchester United to renew their efforts to sign Jude Bellingham despite the midfielder snubbing them previously.

United were chasing Bellingham's signature last year and pulled out all the stops to sign him, even enlisting the help of Sir Alex Ferguson, who showed him and his family round the club's training ground.

Ex-Birmingham star Bellingham eventually rejected the chance to join United, instead opting to head to Borussia Dortmund in an initial £25million deal, as he felt it was a better opportunity for him to develop.

The 18-year-old has since thrived for the German club and earned call-ups for his country, significantly boosting his value to around four times his previous fee.

And Ferdinand feels United need to reignite their interest in the talented Englishman as he's a prospect the top clubs can't afford to miss out on.

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Asked on his Vibe with FIVE podcast what position Bellingham could occupy in midfield, Ferdinand said: "Any. He's that good. Serious."

He continued: "In the England youth teams there are times when he's played as the holding midfielder. Times he's played as the [No.]8 and been box-to-box.

"And also times when he's been told he can join the attacks more. He has the capabilities and capacity to play all of the roles, he's that good.

"I think for him, I see him as being someone who can do it all. There aren't many midfielders in the game now that can attack and defend - affect the game at both ends.

"When you are one of the super clubs, there are talents out there that make you think if we have the capacity and financial muscle, then he's one you don't want to miss."

Bellingham only recently agreed an extension on his Dortmund contract which ties him to the club until 2025.

Chelsea and Liverpool have both been linked with a transfer but Bellingham's current employers have reportedly slapped a £100million asking price on him.

Dortmund will also not be keen to sell the youngster anytime soon, having only just let Jadon Sancho go to United, while star man Erling Haaland looks likely to fly the nest in the summer.

The Bungesliga giants are now said to be considering signing his younger brother Jobe Bellingham to further the family connections at the club in a hope that it might convince him to stay long-term.

But the bright lights of the Premier League and a return to the UK could prove too tempting for Bellingham eventually.

After watching him star in England's 10-0 win over San Marino this week, legendary United midfielder Roy Keane admitted it was frightening to imagine how good Bellingham could become in the years ahead.

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"He has got a great chance, the kid," Keane said on ITV Sport. "We love everything about him.

"What he is doing on the pitch, the way he speaks off it. He is playing week in, week out for a top club. Oh the potential for this kid… it is scary.

"I saw him playing for Dortmund recently in a Champions League game and he was producing passes that I didn't think he had in his locker quite yet, and we are not seeing him week in, week out we just see the Champions League stuff.

"The potential for this boy. He is a good size, he looks like a footballer, he looks like a boxer. He is a strong, powerful boy and Gareth [Southgate] must be rubbing his hands together."