Jobe Bellingham bids expected at Sunderland as West Ham United enter transfer race
West Ham United are interested in Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham, the Sunderland Echo reports.
According to the news outlet’s print edition [16 November, page 55], Borussia Dortmund are preparing to submit a £20million bid for the talent prospect in the winter transfer window.
The Hammers and Crystal Palace have joined the Bundesliga side in the race for the midfielder ahead of a potential January transfer battle.
However, North-East outfit Sunderland are in a strong position having tied down Bellingham to a long-term contract last summer, and have no desire to offload their prized asset with the side on track to earn a return to the Premier League.
However, the report indicates that bids are likely to be tabled in 2025 if Sunderland fail to earn promotion to the Premier League.
West Ham United prepared to fight for Jobe Bellingham
West Ham have a long-standing interest in Bellingham dating back over two years [TEAMtalk] and appear ready to finally pull the trigger on the highly-coveted prospect.
The 19-year-old has played a vital role in Sunderland’s resurgence to the Championship summit this term, leading from his impressive maiden campaign in the second tier last term.
While he has taken the opposite route to brother Jude and opted to continue his development in England, Jobe could be tempted to follow the path of his older brother and join Borussia Dortmund in the hope of enjoying a similar career path.
Julen Lopetegui may not remain at the helm in East London when the winter transfer window rolls around, but the Spaniard has already begun the groundwork on further strengthening his side after a poor start to the campaign.
The Irons are desperate for a creative outlet in midfield, especially with Lucas Paqueta failing to play his part this year, and Tim Steidten has begun the groundwork to identify the Brazilian’s long-term replacement.
Bellingham certainly fits the bill – a homegrown talent with plenty of potential to develop into a world-class player in the Premier League, he is tailor-made for a club like West Ham.
However, the competition will be fierce and the Hammers are not exactly an attractive landing spot as things stand.
Still, Bellingham will certainly take his time to assess his options ahead of the next step in his career, as Jude once did.
Steidten must do everything to convince the midfielder his future lies in East London.
In other West Ham news, Tim Steidten may already been planning for life without Lucas Paqueta as a new transfer update drops.
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