Jobe Bellingham
Jobe Bellingham is on Man United's radar
Manchester United are reportedly one of the clubs considering a move for Sunderland wonderkid Jobe Bellingham.
The 19-year-old, who is the younger brother of Real Madrid midfielder Jude, has been heavily linked with a cluster of big-name European clubs in recent months, including the likes of Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund and Madrid. Jobe, who has been at Sunderland since 2023 after completing the move from Birmingham City, has gone from strength-to-strength ever since.
He has been one of the stand-out performers for the Black Cats this season, in their push for Premier League promotion. They sit fourth in the table and Bellingham has contributed with four goals and three assists so far.
With midfielders Christian Eriksen and Casemiro's futures at Old Trafford up in the air, United may well already be planning for the future. Should a move for Bellingham materialise, his brother Jude, has already given his verdict on Kobbie Mainoo, whom Jobe could potentially line up alongside should he complete his move to United.
"I know how hard it can be when there is there is clamour and people put pressure on you," Jude said after England's game against Belgium last year. "He is a brilliant player and I am sure he is going to have a great career at Manchester United, and hopefully for England as well."
United are open to selling the majority of their squad to help balance the books regarding Profitability and Sustainability Rules, including Mainoo.
The 19-year-old was subject of interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea during the January transfer window and if he was to leave, he would represent pure profit due to his homegrown status.
This is something that would help Ineos' hopes of avoiding any breaches of financial regulations. But Jude's comments would hint at the fact his England teammate has made his intentions to stay at United clear behind-the-scenes while on international duty.
That could, then, lead to Mainoo lining up with Jobe at Old Trafford, although Brighton, Brentford and Nottingham Forest are also said to be watching him. If Sunderland fail to achieve promotion, they would reportedly be open to having a discussion about a potential transfer in the summer.
However, Jobe is under contract until 2028 and the Championship side will likely demand a high fee for their player - but a potentially exciting midfield partnership could be waiting for him at United, if his brother Jude's verdict is anything to go by.
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