Sunderland could be soon on the lookout for a replacement for star midfielder Jobe Bellingham and they’ve already found his successor, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
Crystal Palace, Arsenal and Manchester United were all linked with the England U-20 international in the January transfer window but Sunderland managed to keep a hold of their player.
Nixon previously reported that Jobe has also caught the eye of England manager Thomas Tuchel with the Three Lions boss apparently considering a call-up for the younger brother of England star Jude Bellingham.
Black Cats want Premier League midfielder
According to Nixon: “Sunderland want Wolves midfielder Tommy Doyle as the long-term replacement for Jobe Bellingham.”
Despite Sunderland holding onto their prize asset in January, Nixon claims, “they know a major bid is likely in the summer.”
Nixon also claims that Sunderland’s promotion rivals Sheffield United “sniffed at Doyle in the window but were snubbed.”
Doyle spent the 2022/23 season on loan at the Blades making 33 Championship appearances and contributing seven goals and assists.
A deal could be done in the summer
Nixon believes, “The former Manchester City prospect’s future will be up in the air soon.”
Doyle signed a permanent deal with Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer after a successful loan spell at Molineux.
The former England Under-21 international signed for a fee in the region of five million after making 26 Premier League appearances for Wolves last season.
However, Doyle has only started three times for Wolves this campaign, making 19 appearances in total in the Premier League.
Wolves opted to keep Doyle in January despite interest due to the Midlands club being in the middle of a relegation battle.
They sit just two points above the drop with 12 games remaining.
Sunderland will be hoping to keep a hold of Jobe past this season but failure to get promoted to the Premier League will inevitably see Jobe depart the Black Cats in search of Premier League football.
The 19-year-old midfielder has made 27 appearances for Sunderland this season scoring four times and assisting a further three.
Jobe is on track to become the youngest player to reach 100 Championship appearances, despite missing Sunderland’s 2-2 draw with Watford on Saturday afternoon due to an ankle injury.
Birmingham City’s Windfall
With the sale of Jobe Bellingham a small amount of any transfer fee Sunderland receive will go to League One leaders Birmingham City. The Blues sold the player to the Black Cats for an initial fee of £1.5million which included several performance based add-ons as well as the previously mentioned sell on clause.
The clause which understood to be in the region of 10-15% will bring in a seven-figure sum which will be a welcome boost to their Championship kitty next year should they achieve promotion.