Now, they could be set to receive the fee they want, with The Sun claiming back-to-back Premier League champions Manchester City ready to enter the arms race.

United are unlikely to be able to offer Bellingham the prospect of Champions League football, whereas City will.

The Citizens aren’t the only team preparing to take advantage of United’s failure to make a deal in January.

Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund are also prepared to pounce for the youngster, who played on the left-hand-side of midfield in the FA Cup against Coventry on Tuesday.