Birmingham City's Jude Bellingham could turn down a move to Manchester United as he isn't keen on playing U23 football again.

The 16-year-old has established himself as one of the brightest talents in the country over the past few months, starring for Blues in the Championship.

Unsurprisingly, that form has caught the eye, with reports emerging over the weekend suggesting that the Red Devils are prepared to splash out to land the teenager this month.

However, The Athletic have revealed that Bellingham may not entertain a move to Old Trafford, or any other elite club, at this stage of his career, with the midfielder 'reluctant' to drop back into an U23 side having tasted senior football with Blues.

Obviously, that is a major boost for the Championship side, who will be hoping to tie the academy graduate down to his first professional contract when he turns 17 later this year.

Bellingham continued his fine form this term by scoring the opener, his fourth of the season, as Birmingham drew 1-1 with Cardiff City on Saturday.

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The verdict

This is great news for Birmingham and it shows that Bellingham has good people around him and is not someone who will chase the money.

In terms of his own career development, there's no debate to be had, playing regularly in the Championship is better than for United's U23 side.

That's not to say a sale should be ruled out completely, as he could get loaned to Blues or somewhere else, but the youngster needs to make sure he is playing football next season as he doesn't want his development to stall and it appears he recognises that.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.