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Sunderland are reportedly becoming increasingly confident in their ability to fend off interest from Manchester United and other potential suitors for Jobe Bellingham.
United are bracing for a very busy summer transfer window and midfield is an area of the pitch they could look to bolster.
After United’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa on the final day of the Premier League season, the club confirmed Christian Eriksen’s departure.
There are also doubts over Casemiro’s future at Old Trafford despite his resurgence in recent weeks under Ruben Amorim.
In any case, Amorim is in need of midfielders who fit into his preferred 3-4-2-1 system, and Bellingham’s name has consistently emerged as a player of interest.
United have scouted the 19-year-old, who is also believed to be on the radar of the likes of Brighton and Hove Albion, Brentford, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.
Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt have also been strongly linked to him.
Bellingham played a crucial role in Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League. The Black Cats sealed their return to the top flight with a 2-1 victory over Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final.
According to TEAMtalk, the fact that Sunderland will be in the Premier League next term has significantly boosted their hopes of retaining Bellingham.
“Sunderland are increasingly optimistic about retaining star midfielder Jobe Bellingham for the coming season following their dramatic promotion to the Premier League, sources have informed TEAMtalk.”
“Sunderland’s promotion has shifted the dynamics. Playing in the Premier League offers Bellingham the chance to compete at the highest level without leaving the club where he has flourished since joining from Birmingham City in 2023.”
It’s understood Dortmund remain “very keen” on Bellingham, with club chief Hans-Joachim Watzke even jetting to England to hold talks with the midfielder’s family.
Dortmund enjoy a strong relationship with the Bellingham family, having signed Jude Bellingham – Jobe’s older brother – back in 2020. Jude’s rapid rise in Germany eventually earned him a move to Real Madrid, and now Dortmund believe they can strike gold a second time with Jobe.
In the 40 Championship appearances he made in the 2024/25 season, Bellingham managed four goals and three assists.
Featured image Nathan Stirk via Getty Images
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