Latest developments
- Man United tracking Jobe Bellingham.
- Sunderland star has admirers from several Premier League clubs.
- Black Cats to demand sizeable fee.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3/5): Man United keeping tabs on Jobe Bellingham
Man United are said to be among a whole host of Premier League clubs keeping a close eye on Bellingham's progress at the Stadium of Light.
That is according to TEAMtalk, who claim the Red Devils are looking to put themselves in a strong position to secure Bellingham's signature.
Value (3/5): Sunderland to demand significant fee
Sunderland are not willing to engage in any discussion over Bellingham's future at the moment, with Regis Le Bris's side currently focused on their bid to win promotion to the Premier League.
When the summer arrives, the Black Cats are expected to set a high asking price for a player who is under contract until the summer of 2028. A potential bidding war could also drive up his valuation, with Man United facing rival interest from Chelsea, Brighton, Brentford, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur.
Suitability (3.5/5): Promising talent
Bellingham is defensively resolute and would add solidity to Man United's engine room. The Sunderland star possesses a strong passing game and is adept at protecting the ball, which leads to him winning a lot of fouls.
The 19-year-old would be an obvious candidate to operate in central midfield, but there is also the possibility that he could feature as one of the two number 10s in Ruben Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system.
Upgrade? (4/5): Eriksen replacement
Bellingham could be brought in to replace the experienced Christian Eriksen, who has admitted that he expects to depart when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Logic (4/5): Ready for Premier League challenge
The England Under-21 international is surely ready to make the step up to the Premier League after making over 100 appearances at Championship level.
There is a possibility that he could realise his Premier League dream with Sunderland, but even if they fail to win promotion, a current top-flight club is likely to offer him a route into the promised land.
Whisper+ verdict: 17.5/25
Bellingham is expected to play in one of Europe's top leagues next season, although it is unclear whether that will be with Sunderland or another club. Man United would be wise to purchase a player who still has plenty of potential to realise, although they face a fight on their hands to win the race for his services.
