Manchester City are not in the running for Manchester United target

Manchester City are not interested in locking horns with Manchester United to sign Birmingham teenager Jude Bellingham contrary to reports saying otherwise, claims the Manchester Evening News.

Bellingham has emerged as one of the most sought after talents in the Championship this season after quickly establishing himself as a first-team regular for Birmingham.

United reportedly failed with several bids for the 16-year-od last month, worth well in excess of £20m, and plan to continue their pursuit at the end of the campaign.

Reports emerged earlier this week suggesting City would rival United for Bellingham's signature in the summer, as Pep Guardiola plots a mass overhaul of his current squad following their disappointing decline this season.

However, it has now been revealed City are not in the running to sign Bellingham and will in fact prioritise other positions in the summer, with Guardiola particularly keen on two new centre-backs.

Bellingham has started 19 games and made a further seven appearances from the bench in the Championship this season and returned four goals and one assist.

The versatile teenage midfielder impressively returns 3.1 tackles per 90 minutes and 1.5 successful dribbles per 90 minutes.