Jude Bellingham has revealed that conversations with Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho were pivotal in him joining the German outfit.

The 17-year-old was the talk of a big money move throughout last season and now, Bellingham is officially a Dortmund man. His move pocketed Birmingham upwards of £26 million, with Dortmund rivalling Manchester United every step of the way.

United will be ruing the missed opportunity to land Bellingham, who's since revealed that it was another long-term United target, Sancho, who persuaded him to join Dortmund over United. Bellingham told The Sun:

"The record Dortmund have got with young players in recent years is unrivalled in European football. Weighing all that up and the people we met there, the stadium and fan base, it made me fall in love with the club as well.

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"I've met Sancho and we have spoken. He is a great example of what you can achieve if you do the right things. I chose Dortmund because it is the perfect step for my development. I am just glad that saga is over."

Sancho could yet seal his move to United this summer, with a fee in excess of £100 million having been previously talked up. Talks have been ongoing though and the longer they drag out, the more chance that both parties could lose interest in the deal.

The verdict

Birmingham fans will remember Bellingham for a long time to come. He proved himself to be one of the best young talents on the continent but he was always going to depart at the earliest convenience. Fans will wish him well and hope that whoever the club's next manager is, will be allowed to spend those funds this summer.