“Other clubs retain their interest, Manchester United are one of those, who had two serious attempts to sign him in January.

“Arsenal have also extensively scouted him and I’m told there has been offers from Aston Villa, Leicester City, Chelsea and Everton as well, all of which were rejected in January.”

Bellingham’s current stance might worry United, particularly with Ed Woodward keen to hijack any potential transfer.

On Thursday, it emerged the 48-year-old and Matt Judge were trying to secure the signature of the midfielder at the last minute.

And whether the club are able to convince the teenager into moving to Old Trafford from St Andrew’s is something only time will tell.

Meanwhile, Birmingham boss Pep Clotet has been asked about Bellingham’s absence from their recent FA Cup clash with Leicester.