Latest developments
- Crystal Palace are ready to make an offer for Jobe Bellingham.
- Palace are in the market for reinforcements in their bid to avoid relegation.
- The Sunderland star is also admired by Arsenal, among other clubs.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3/5): Bellingham continues to attract interest
Crystal Palace are set to make a £20 million bid for Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham, as they look to pick another Championship gem ahead of other top clubs.
The story comes from TBR Football, who add that the Sunderland No.7 is also admired by Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid.
Value (3.5/5): Sunderland open to January exit
Sunderland could sell the England U21 international to raise funds for Regis Le Bris. However, it remains unclear what they would demand for their star midfielder, who is valued at around £15 million by Transfermarkt. In that regard, a £20 million offer appears tempting.
Suitability (4/5): Can play across the midfield
Despite largely playing as a defensive midfielder at the Stadium of Light, the 19-year-old is capable of playing across the middle of the park.
He has made the difference higher up the field as well, having scored four goals and registered three assists in the Championship this term. That makes him a highly versatile option for Oliver Glasner.
Upgrade? (3.5/5): More dynamic than Lerma
With Adam Wharton injured, Palace have relied on Jefferson Lerma to partner Cheick Doucouré in the middle of the park. Bellingham could come in and replace the ageing Lerma, while adding more athleticism and technical quality to Palace's midfield.
Logic (4/5): Follow Wharton
Wharton swapped the Championship for top-flight football in South London last year. Bellingham, who has also attracted interest from Dortmund and Madrid, should look to follow the ex-Blackburn Rovers star and move to Palace rather than a top European club. He is likely to get more opportunities to find his feet and continue his development under Glasner.
Whisper+ verdict: 18/25
With Sunderland open to a big departure and Palace reported to be preparing a sizeable bid, a winter move to south London appears on the cards for Bellingham, just as long as Arsenal – or any other suitors – don't jump in with concrete offers.
