Man Utd boss Ten Hag told to sign "perfect" midfield partner for Fernandes with rival deal "very close"

Former Manchester United forward Louis Saha has urged Erik ten Hag to sign Jude Bellingham ahead of Liverpool, describing him as the 'perfect' midfield partner for Bruno Fernandes.

Bellingham has only increased his growing reputation as a world-class midfielder at the World Cup, starting each of England's five games in the tournament.

He put in a Player of the Match display during the 4-0 win over Senegal, assisting Jordan Henderson for the Three Lions' first goal.

His energetic displays were a trademark of England's performances at the World Cup, with the 19-year-old also scoring in the 6-2 win over Iran in the opening group stage game.

Interest in Bellingham's services were exceptionally high before the tournament, with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid all chasing his signature.

It was quoted that his current club, Borussia Dortmund, set an asking price of €150 million for their star asset - but this could now increase even further.

And Saha, who played for United between 2004 and 2008, has urged his former club to swoop in.

Saha wants Ten Hag to sign Bellingham

Speaking to Paddy Power (quotes via Daily Express), the former France international explained: "For quite a few years now, Manchester United have been a team who have lacked energy and fitness in games, and have been outrun in matches, which is not normal if you're trying to return to the top. So that is something that Jude Bellingham would be able to bring in if he came to United.

"Jude would be able to pick out the right passes in the more agile players, in a similar way to what Bruno Fernandes does, by being a box-to-box midfielder.

"Manchester United would be an incredibly tough team to defend against if they had Jude Bellingham and Bruno Fernandes in midfield together, with Casemiro sitting behind them as cover for the defenders.

"I would love to see Jude Bellingham at Manchester United. Not only as a fan, but also because he'd be the perfect fit in midfield."

However, United will need to act fast to sign the player, with new reports claiming that Liverpool are 'very close' to the 19-year-old's entourage.

Sport Bild journalist Christian Falk has said to The Anfield Wrap (as per This is Anfield) that Liverpool have held 'many, many talks' with the player's parents over a potential move.

But the only sticking point is believed to be Dortmund's valuation of the player, meaning that United could complete a deal themselves if they have the money.