With rumours continuing to arrive regarding Jobe Bellingham’s future, Sunderland have reportedly set their sights on signing a Manchester City gem who could replace their midfield star this summer.
Borussia Dortmund reach Bellingham agreement
Despite earning promotion to the Premier League, it looks as though Bellingham is set to follow the same path as his older brother Jude by swapping English football for Borussia Dortmund this summer.
Chasing their second Bellingham after their first proved to be a great success, the German giants have reportedly agreed personal terms on a five-year contract with the Sunderland star.
Whilst personal terms are agreed, Dortmund must still match Sunderland’s valuation if they are to sign Bellingham this summer. The Black Cats are reportedly set to demand that Bellingham’s €40m (£34m) release clause is matched this summer if they are to bid farewell to one of their best young players.
Losing such a talent at just 19 years old would be an undeniable blow for all involved at the Stadium of Light, but with £34m to spend, they could build Regis Le Bris a squad capable of securing Premier League survival at the first time of asking.
To that end, rumours have suggested that the Black Cats could also be in for a busy summer. With a permanent deal to sign Enzo Le Fee already sealed, Sunderland may reportedly welcome Chris Mepham back to the club in a similar deal.
Meanwhile, if forced to find a replacement for Bellingham in the coming months, those in Wearside could yet reportedly turn towards a young Manchester City talent.
Sunderland eyeing Charlie Gray
According to Alan Nixon on his Patreon, Sunderland are now eyeing a summer swoop to sign Charlie Gray from Manchester City if Bellingham completes a move to Borussia Dortmund.
The 19-year-old midfielder is yet to receive a first-team opportunity from Pep Guardiola, but has certainly left many impressed at youth level.
Although the Manchester City gem is an unproven talent, this Sunderland side has had young players who are vying to prove themselves at the foundation of their success for a couple of years now and Gray could become the latest to do exactly that.
Replacing Bellingham won’t be easy for whoever is tasked with doing so, but there’s every reason why Gray has been at the heart of Manchester City’s impressive academy in recent years.
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The Citizens have birthed players such as Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Jamie Gittens and Jadon Sancho over the last decade and the list could go on.
European football is littered with their graduates and one could now be on his way to Sunderland. At 19 years old, Gray could be one to watch.