Tottenham Hotspur have made the first move in what is expected to kick-start a bidding war for Sunderland star Jobe Bellingham, according to TEAMtalk.
The 18-year-old has appeared on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs after an excellent debut season on Wearside. Having joined the Black Cats for a fee believed to be around £3 million from Birmingham City last summer, the versatile midfielder became a staple of the first team squad.
He made 47 appearances in all competitions, scoring seven times. Only talisman Jack Clarke hit the back of the net more times, with both players now expected to attract interest throughout the upcoming transfer window.
Bellingham penned a long-term contract upon his arrival from the West Midlands, putting Sunderland in a strong position in any negotiations. Speculation first emerged last month that both Crystal Palace and Brentford were keeping tabs on the teenager’s situation, although Tottenham now appear to have entered the race.
According to reports, the North Londoners have made the youngster one of their key targets as manager Ange Postecoglou looks to improve on this season’s fifth-placed finish. It is said that they have already made contact with the player’s representatives to sound out a potential transfer. Furthermore, Spurs’ arrival into the fray now makes them favourites in the race for his signature.
Sunderland are hoping that they can retain Bellingham’s services into next season as they target a place in the Premier League themselves, although a big offer would be difficult to turn down. According to journalist Ed Aarons, an offer north of £20 million would be enough to tempt them into selling.
Understand that Sunderland are determined to try and keep Jobe Bellingham this summer. Tottenham, Brentford, Crystal Palace and several clubs in Europe are interested in the 18-year-old, with Sunderland believed to want a fee in excess of £20m if they are to sell
— Ed Aarons (@ed_aarons) June 3, 2024
Aside from the top tier trio, the England youth international is also wanted by a number of unnamed clubs across the continent.
Writer’s View
Landing Bellingham for £3 million last summer was an absolute steal for Sunderland. Obviously, the preference would be for him to remain at the Stadium of Light, but his obvious talent coupled with the astronomical rise of his brother Jude was always going to put him in the spotlight.
Tottenham’s interest is likely to spark moves from other clubs, which would only benefit the Black Cats. Several interested parties mean they will be able to raise the fee. Alongside another potential £20 million fee for Jack Clarke, this could mean that the new boss, whoever that will be, could have a significant transfer kitty to play with.
However, the pair would be difficult to replace and would be pivotal to any promotion ambitions they have if they were to remain at the club.
Head of Writing
