One in-demand Sunderland gem has been urged to stay on Wearside on one condition.
Sunderland face losing a number of their prized assets this summer, after a particularly underwhelming campaign in the Championship.
The Black Cats tied down most of their key players to new contracts over the past year or so, but that may not prevent them from earning moves to the Premier League.
The likes of Dan Neil and Jack Clarke have been linked to the top flight, while Jobe Bellingham is the latest to attract interest.
The 18-year-old has reportedly already been contacted by both Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace, while Brentford are also on the list of suitors.
While it is believed that Sunderland may accept a bid of over £20 million, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is said to be desperate to keep hold of the midfielder.
While it is unclear whether any club would meet the Black Cats’ asking price, it could come down to whether Jobe is ready to wait it out or make a premature leap to the Premier League.
Pundit Carlton Palmer has now urged him to stay at the Stadium of Light, but only if they bring in a manager who can help them battle for promotion
Jobe Bellingham needs to be in the play-offs
Speaking to Football League World, Palmer said: “We know what Sunderland’s remit is but he’s still only 18, and he’s only going to get better, so I would keep him at the football club.
“He needs to play football. There’s no point going to the likes of Brentford or Crystal Palace or another Premier League club to not play regular football. He played 45 Championship games last season, scoring seven goals, which is outstanding for his age, so he is one for the future.
“If Sunderland get a ridiculous offer they may well entertain it and look to loan him back because I can’t see him going to a Premier League club and playing week in, week out.
“He seems to be enjoying his time with Sunderland, so it depends which new manager comes in, but I’m sure whoever does come in will be told from the hierarchy that the young players need to play, so he’s going to play regularly at Sunderland.
“For me, if I was the player or representing him, I would keep him at Sunderland for another season, as long as they bring in a new manager that will have them pushing towards the play-offs.
“I think he’s going to go for huge money in the future, but if he went now I still think he would go for £12-15m and maybe loaned back.”
Sunderland’s manager search will make all the difference
Jobe Bellingham will undoubtedly want to play in the top flight eventually, but earning himself promotion with Sunderland would surely be more tempting.
However, the teenager will know that is very unlikely next season unless the club bring in a competent manager.
The Wearside outfit are yet to appoint a new head coach, but whoever arrives could determine whether a number of key stars stay at the club or not.
While it seems unlikely at this stage, hiring someone like Will Still or Rene Maric could be a promising step in the right direction, and perhaps the players would believe in the ambitions of the board.
However, at the minute, they are surely beginning to get itchy feet as they continue to be linked with big money moves.