Fabrizio Romano has dropped a further update on the future of Jobe Bellingham at Sunderland, amid links to Crystal Palace.
Sunderland star Jobe Bellingham is a transfer target for Crystal Palace and several others, including the likes of Brentford and newly-promoted Southampton.
It’s reported that Sunderland have rejected bids from Crystal Palace for Bellingham, who the Black Cats value at no less than £20million this summer.
Sunderland signed Bellingham from Birmingham City last summer, paying £3million for the 18-year-old who scored seven goals in 45 Championship appearances last time round.
Bellingham has also caught the attention of Tottenham Hotspur who are said to be interested in a potential summer swoop for the England U20s attacker.
But it’s Crystal Palace who are showing the strongest interest as things stand, and now Fabrizio Romano has shared a fresh update on the Eagles’ pursuit of Bellingham at the Stadium of Light.
Fabrizio Romano drops further update on Jobe Bellingham Sunderland future amid Crystal Palace links
Speaking on The Daily Briefing, transfer guru Romano reiterated Crystal Palace’s interest in Bellingham, reaffirming that he’s a player on their summer transfer wishlist.
Romano also reminded fans that other teams remain interested in Bellingham, but that his future largely lies in his own hands, rather than with the Sunderland owners, who would part ways with Bellingham for £20million.
Romano said: “Bellingham is also wanted by Brentford and other English clubs, but I would keep an eye on Palace because they are pushing.
“Their manager Oliver Glasner wants Bellingham, and so now it depends on the player, because if he gives the green light they are prepared to go strong on this one.”
What next for Jobe Bellingham at Sunderland
Bellingham now appears to have a big decision ahead of him this summer; stay at Sunderland under Regis Le Bris, or push for a move to Crystal Palace.
The lure of Palace and the Premier League is obvious. Palace have had a lot of success shopping in the Championship having seen the likes of Eberechi Eze become an England player, and Michael Olise near a move to Bayern Munich.
But there’s till no guarantee that Bellingham gets unlimited game time at Selhurst Park next season, with the 18-year-old often earning mixed reviews when at Sunderland last season.
He’s still got a lot of developing to do and for both him and Sunderland, staying on Wearside for another year could be the best outcome.
Another season of Championship football could better prepare Bellingham for a Premier League move, and it could also see his transfer value go up, so it would surely be of Sunderland’s best interest to keep him for another season.