Nigel de Jong tells Man City transfer target to join Bayern Munich

Former Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong has urged Manchester City transfer target Jude Bellingham to join German club Bayern Munich.

The 19-year-old is expected to leave Dortmund in the summer with Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Liverpool among a number of European giants interested in landing the Englishman.

De Jong said: “I think [he’s ready for the Premier League] as well, but I would prefer him to go to Bayern Munich because that’s the extra step in the development of a player, structure-wise but also playing for the big prizes.

“I don’t want to disrespect Dortmund in that sense, but as an organisation Bayern is the pinnacle when it comes down to it.

“If I’m really honest with you and I look at the personality Jude Bellingham has already at 18 or 19 years old, he has by far a better head on his shoulders [than Sancho].

“When it comes down to the humility that he has but also the cleverness and intelligence that he has, knowing what it takes in order to be the best midfielder in the world.

“I think that says something about the personality he has, at 19 years old, to talk like that and to play also with the maturity that he has, says something about him.

“And I think he’s the hottest prospect [in Europe] – especially after this World Cup!”