Birmingham are confident teenage star Jude Bellingham will complete the season with them despite the Manchester United target’s unusual contract situation.
The 16-year-old, who is also wanted by Borussia Dortmund, is currently on a scholar’s deal worth about £145-a-week, though he is able to sign professional terms on his 17th birthday on June 29 – nine days after the Championship campaign is scheduled to restart.
He has made 32 appearances in the second tier this term and is considered one of the best prospects in Europe, causing scouts to make regular trips to St Andrew’s.
Bellingham has two options when he turns 17: sign a professional deal, which would mean a substantial pay rise, or allow his scholar’s contract to run automatically into its second year.
If Bellingham stays as a scholar and then moves at the end of the season, Blues would be entitled to a fixed sum in training compensation for developing him since the age of the eight. If he signs pro, they could command a sizeable transfer fee.
Blues have a strong relationship with the Bellingham family and the two sides are confident of finding an amicable solution that ensures Bellingham finishes the campaign, and the club receive an acceptable fee when, as expected, he leaves this summer.
Birmingham are currently 16th in the Championship, eight points above the relegation zone and nine adrift of a play-off spot.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com