Southampton find themselves in the centre of a three-way tug of war for the signature of a Championship star valued at £20 million.
Russell Martin is keen to improve his Southampton squad ready for his first crack at the Premier League as a manager.
Having finished fourth in the Championship prior to achieving promotion via the play-offs it is clear there are upgrades needed for Southampton to have a realistic chance at top flight survival next season.
Experience has seemingly been at the forefront of Martin’s mind, with the free signing of 36-year-old Adam Lallana likely to be followed by 30-year-old pair Ryan Fraser and Saman Ghoddos.
Lallana has signed a one-year deal at the club at which it all started for him but Southampton look to be planning for the future with a move for a player ready to replace the veteran.
Southampton involved in three-way race for Jobe Bellingham signing
Having spent last season in the Championship, Southampton have seen first hand how much talent is in the division and now look set to make a move for one of the league’s most promising players in Jobe Bellingham.
Younger brother of England star Jude, Jobe only signed for Sunderland last summer after breaking through at Birmingham City but could now be on the move again.
According to talkSPORT, the 18-year-old’s impressive first season at the Stadium of Light has ‘sparked interest’ from Southampton, Brentford and Crystal Palace with the three clubs set to battle it out for the attacking midfielder.
He will not come cheap, though, with Sunderland valuing their asset at £20 million.
Bellingham could learn from Adam Lallana before replacing him
Bellingham scored seven goals and provided one assist in the Championship as Sunderland had a poor season collectively, finishing 16th.
The youngster was deployed in a number of positions, including centre-forward, attacking midfield and in the holding role.
Former Sunderland striker and chairman Niall Quinn spoke highly of Bellingham in November, as he said via Chronicle Live: “I’ve watched Jobe Bellingham a lot since he arrived at Sunderland, and if you take him as an individual, it’s as if the stage was just set for him. He looks so comfortable playing the game, at such a young age.
“I can remember being his age, and being afraid to look at the first-team players. I’d be cleaning boots and looking down so they wouldn’t look me in the eye!
I think it’s phenomenal that somebody his age can come in and be that solid. Not big headed, not flash, just solid.”
Lallana is at the opposite end of his career to Bellingham and, at 36, is double his age.
However, he could be the perfect mentor for Bellingham, with the pair playing similar positions and the duo could help in managing each other’s minutes throughout what will be an intense season.
A Champions League and Premier League winner who wants to move into coaching, Lallana could pass on his knowledge to Bellingham and help the former Birmingham man continue his development whilst also pushing him for a starting place.
Given Lallana’s deal is only for a year, he could spend the season getting Bellingham ready for the 2025/26 season before stepping aside and allowing the 18-year-old to flourish.