Tottenham Hotspur are one of several clubs that have sounded out an interest in Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham.
However, according to the Guardian, the Championship outfit are determined to retain his services this summer.
Bellingham came through the youth ranks at Birmingham City and featured 26 times for the first team before joining Sunderland for an undisclosed fee last summer.
The 18-year-old notched seven goals and an assist in 45 Championship games, creating four big chances and winning 52% of his ground duels.
Many people believe the teenager could become a world beater like his brother Jude Bellingham, who played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s 15th Champions League victory over the weekend.
However, Sunderland are not interested in letting the youngster leave the Stadium of Light this summer.
Sunderland endured a massively underwhelming 2023/24 season, finishing 16th in the Championship, but club owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus wants to see them challenging for promotion next term.
Bellingham is viewed as a vital part of that ambition, but it is understood that a fee of over £20 million could force Sunderland to sell him.
Spurs should turn their attention to other targets
Whether or not Bellingham becomes a superstar like his brother remains to be seen, but he’s certainly not at the required level to make an impact at a club competing for major honours.
Spurs should be looking at more established players, although he is worth monitoring to see how he develops.
Ange Postecoglou’s side are determined to secure a top-four finish next term after missing out on Champions League football by two points.
They need quality additions to help close the gap on the top four, and Bellingham doesn’t tick the necessary boxes yet.
Stats from Sofascore.com.
