Chelsea are now front-runners in the race to sign a "sensational" midfielder, who could be available for a relatively low fee in the summer, according to a report.
Blues finalise two summer transfer deals
The Blues have managed to get some major transfer business done and dusted very early, having now agreed deals to sign two youngsters, with Sporting CP's Geovany Quenda becoming the first player to agree a move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Fellow Sporting CP player Dario Essugo is also now set to move to west London, with a deal recently being agreed, as Enzo Maresca's side continue to scour the market for exciting young players.
Despite striking an agreement to sign Essugo, however, Chelsea still remain keen on bringing in more options in midfield, and a report from Football Insider has revealed they are now the front-runners in the race to sign Sunderland's Jobe Bellingham, alongside Borussia Dortmund.
The Sunderland star has now emerged as the Blues' top target, having played a major role for the Black Cats in their push for promotion to the Premier League this season.
jobe bellingham
Bellingham could command a fee of over £20m this summer, at which point a number of clubs could pursue a deal, with fellow Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace also being named as potential suitors.
Sunderland are willing to listen to offers for the midfielder, should they fail to achieve their goal of promotion to the top flight, although the player himself is yet to make any decisions about his future.
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Enzo Maresca is plotting an ambitious swoop...
"Sensational" Bellingham showing very promising signs
While the 19-year-old hasn't had the same rapid rise to the top as his brother Jude, he has been impressing in a Sunderland shirt for quite some time, having previously been lauded as "sensational" by journalist Josh Bunting.
The former Birmingham City man has been a key player for the Black Cats this season, registering four goals and three assists in the Championship, although he has often been utilised in a deeper role, where he has showcased his defensive acumen over the past year.
Statistic Average per 90
Aerials won 1.78 (90th percentile)
Clearances 2.32 (89th percentile)
Non-penalty goals 0.12 (84th percentile)
Although he is still only a teenager, the youngster has built up a great deal of first-team experience, making 107 appearances at senior level, and he is showing signs he could be ready to forge a similar path to his brother by signing for one of Europe's biggest clubs.