Sunderland star Jobe Bellingham is a wanted man this summer and it seems as though Italian giants Lazio are set to re-ignite their interest in the talented midfielder, according to reports.
Despite enduring a difficult campaign last time out, finishing 16th in the Championship, merely seven points above the relegation zone, the Black Cats have not been in much of a rush to complete any transfer business since the market opened in mid-June.
Prior to the appointment of former Lorient boss Regis Le Bris, the Wearisde outfit confirmed the arrival of goalkeeper Simon Moore who recently left Coventry City as a free agent after three years with the Sky Blues. As a result, young shot-stopper Nathan Bishop was sent out on loan to League One side Wycombe Wanderers.
Nevertheless, the only other piece of business done by Sunderland this summer has been signing ex-Preston North End captain Alan Browne following his departure from Deepdale despite being offered a club-record deal by the Lilywhites.
Much more work needs to be done behind the scenes to get the Black Cats ready for the new campaign and to avoid a repeat of last season. However, the club are currently being linked with more player exits than new arrivals.
Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport have revealed that Serie A side Lazio are preparing to go back in for 18-year-old midfielder Bellingham this summer after giving up on their pursuit of Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood. The Biancocelesti were rumoured to be interested in signing the youngster a few months back but no official contact has been made between the two parties.
The Rome-based club were keen to bring Greenwood to the Stadio Olimpico this summer and even went as far as to offer £21 million for the England international while giving the Red Devils a 50% sell-on clause but it looks as though Marseille are leading the race for his signature, hence why Lazio have now started eyeing up Bellingham once more.
Writer’s View
Despite extensive interest since the January transfer window, Sunderland have managed to hold onto the services of both Jack Clarke and Bellingham thus far. However, the club may be able to get in the region of £40 million for the two players combined should the board decide to sell up.
Losing Bellingham would be a big blow to Le Bris ahead of the new season as the teenager was the club’s second-highest goalscorer in the previous campaign behind Clarke, but it was always likely that the former Birmingham City man would leave in the future. Perhaps Lazio will be his next destination.
Deputy Head of Writing
