Manchester United have intensified their pursuit of Jude Bellingham after inviting the much-coveted young Birmingham City midfielder for talks at the club’s training ground in a charm offensive that featured former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Bellingham and his parents were given a tour of Carrington on Monday in the company of United’s executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, and head of corporate development, Matt Judge, as well as Ferguson, ahead of a potential £35 million summer move.

Birmingham have given other clubs permission to talk to Bellingham with the 16 year-old being chased by a host of Europe’s leading sides, including United, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

Ferguson, who guided United to 13 Premier League titles and two European Cups during his 27-year spell in charge, was among those to meet with Bellingham as the club steps up their efforts to entice the England Under-17 international.