Jude Bellingham has been given a tour of the Manchester United training ground ahead of a possible summer move from Birmingham City.

The MEN can reveal midfielder Bellingham, 16, was driven into United’s Carrington training complex by his parents on Monday morning and left in the afternoon. The United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and head of corporate development Matt Judge - tasked with negotiating transfers - were also seen leaving the training ground.

It is understood Bellingham has been given permission by Birmingham to meet potential suitors ahead of a likely transfer at the end of the season. The Bellinghams are believed to be in the midst of scoping out the ideal club for their son to move to and met with senior United staff to gauge the opportunities for the England youth international. The Bellinghams are due to meet other interested clubs.

United’s interest in Bellingham emerged in the January transfer window and a source said Borussia Dortmund were ‘very confident’ of signing the Birmingham prodigy as of last week. United appear to have moved swiftly in an attempt to persuade Bellingham to choose them over rivals before the summer transfer window opens. Senior United sources have told the MEN the club starts the process of executing deals for targets in February.

(Image: Eamonn and James Clarke)

Bellingham has started 25 of Birmingham’s Championship fixtures this season and is out of contract next year, but has been generating intense interest from clubs at home and abroad. Midlander Bellingham only made his Birmingham debut in August and, at the age of 16 years and 38 days, beating the record of 16 years 139 days that Trevor Francis held for 39 years.

Bellingham fits United’s youthful transfer strategy and does not turn 17 until June. United started an overhaul of their midfield last year with the departures of Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera - both in their 30s - but failed to secure a replacement for either.

Newcastle United demanded £50million for United target Sean Longstaff in early July and United’s pursuit of the 22-year-old appears to be over. United reinforced their midfield with the January addition of Bruno Fernandes but are expected to further strengthen the department before the start of next season.