Chelsea to challenge Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen for Jobe Bellingham signature - Paper Round

Interest is said to be high in signing Sunderland forward Jobe Bellingham this summer, with Chelsea likely to do battle with Bundesliga sides Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen. Meanwhile, Manchester United could trigger a deal to extend Kobbie Mainoo's contract, and Liverpool are said to be one of three Premier League clubs keen on signing Inter forward Marcus Thuram.

Bellingham wanted by Blues

Chelsea have entered the race to sign Jobe Bellingham from Sunderland, claims The Sun.

The Blues could face competition as Borussia Dortmund are said to be interested in signing the brother of their former player, Jude, while Bayer Leverkusen are also monitoring his progress at the Championship side.

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"Todd Boehly is lining up a bid for Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham as Chelsea look to sign English," states the outlet.

"England hero Jude’s kid brother could be sold by The Black Cats this summer.

"German giants Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen are already on his trail.

"The Blues have decided to enter the chase, though, and are willing to top offers to bring the 19-year-old into the Premier League.

"Chelsea have been busy signing players from all around the globe under billionaire Boehly and his US investment group.

"Now, they want a strong domestic presence in Enzo Maresca’s squad.

"Ex-Birmingham whizz-kid Bellingham is in England’s Under-21 set-up and one of the better players emerging, so he fits the bill perfectly."

Beckham, Zidane, Figo 'didn't start as well' at Real Madrid as Bellingham

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Man Utd could trigger Mainoo deal

Manchester United have the option of extending Kobbie Mainoo’s contract by a year, according to a report.

The teenager has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford, but The Sun says The Red Devils could trigger an extension which would keep him at the club until 2028.

"Manchester United have an option to extend Kobbie Mainoo’s contract by 12 months," reads the article.

"The midfielder, 19, has two years left on his current deal, which led to fears manager Ruben Amorim could be forced to sell him in the summer.

"But United have a contractual option to keep Mainoo until 2028 - giving them control over his short-term future.

"The clause is understood to be one-sided, so Mainoo does not have to agree for it to be activated.

"United still hope Mainoo will sign a longer contract as Amorim sees him as key to his plans. He earns about £20,000-a-week and his representatives want to raise that.

"The 12-month option could prove crucial in protecting the England international’s transfer value, which the club have set at £70 million.

"Chelsea are monitoring Mainoo’s situation with a view to making a summer bid.

"But the Stockport-born academy graduate is also thought to favour a move overseas should he seek a transfer."

Mainoo fires ‘really nice’ goal as Man Utd double lead

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Premier League trio chasing Thuram

Liverpool will face competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea to land Inter forward Marcus Thuram this summer.

A report claims The Reds have sent scouts to watch the 27-year-old, who has scored 13 Serie A goals so far this season.

"Liverpool are stepping up their pursuit of Marcus Thuram as they consider making the Inter frontman their new centre-forward – but they’re currently neck and neck with two Premier League rivals in the race for his signature," reads an article from TEAMTalk.

"The 27-year-old is enjoying a 15-goal season in Italy and it hasn’t gone unnoticed by Liverpool as they search far and wide for their next striker.

"In an update from TBR Football, reporter Graeme Bailey has confirmed scouts from Liverpool have been to watch Thuram within the past month.

"The problem is that so too have representatives from Arsenal and Chelsea, both of whom are also in the hunt for a new striker. There’s no indication yet of who’s in the lead for Thuram.

"Furthermore, Inter are trying to renew Thuram’s contract beyond 2028. By doing so, they could raise or get rid of his release clause."

'Right on cue' - Thuram volleys Inter ahead at Feyenoord

Video credit: TNT Sports

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