RB Leipzig have emerged as the frontrunner to sign Jobe Bellingham after the Bundesliga club reportedly held talks with the midfielder over a potential move to Germany at the end of the season.
Jobe, 19, has impressed for Sunderland since joining from Birmingham City in June 2023 and as a result, has been linked with a move to the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Crystal Palace.
However, Sky Sports Germany reports that the England under-21 international could now be about to follow in the footsteps of his brother, Jude, and swap England for Germany.
Jude joined Borussia Dortmund from boyhood club Birmingham City in 2020 and spent three years at Signal Iduna Park before earning a move to Real Madrid in 2023.
In terms of Jobe, Sky Sports Germany's Florian Plettenberg claims a summer exit away from Sunderland is "likely", and "numerous enquiries" have been made for the Birmingham City academy graduate.
Jobe's return of four goals and three assists this season has Sunderland sitting fourth in the Championship and on course for an end-of-season play-off campaign as they bid to return to the Premier League for the first time in eight years.
Speaking about Sunderland's push to return to the Premier League, Jobe said: “I mentioned gathering momentum towards the end of the season. We will see what happens with that.
"If we do our jobs and we play the way we can, we’ll see what happens. But if we are at our best every week for these fans, we’ll deserve what we get in the end.”
Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham has been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer.
Earlier this year, the Gunners were linked with a move for Jobe and it was claimed that the Black Cats could demand a fee of roughly £20m for the midfielder, who is under contract at the Stadium of Light until 2028.
However, they'll now face competition from Germany for his services, with Plettenberg tweeting: "RB Leipzig are seriously interested in Jobe #Bellingham and have held initial talks over a possible summer transfer.
"Leipzig have gathered all the necessary information but still consider the current package too expensive. The talented 19-y/o midfielder is under contract with Sunderland until 2028, but a summer move is likely. Numerous enquiries have already been made."